Duo slapped with slew of charges after assault on cop, remanded

…businessman nabbed attempting to leave country

A businessman, who was arrested while attempting to flee to neighbouring Suriname and a labourer have been remanded to prison on a slew of charges after publicly assaulting a Policeman.

Forty-one-year-old businessman Mark Cromwell called “Demon” of Lot 40 Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Kessee Edwards, 30, of Lot 62 Friendship, ECD, were charged with assault with intent to prevent lawful apprehension, abusive language, and disorderly behaviour.
They committed these offences against Constable Harlequin on May 5 in the vicinity of MovieTowne at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
Both of them appeared on Monday before Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.
In addition, Edwards also faced charges for seven traffic offences.

These include dangerous driving; leaving motor vehicle in a dangerous position; driving an unlicensed motor vehicle; driving an uncertified vehicle; failing to comply with Police direction; prohibition of tinted glass and failing to wear seatbelt.
Edwards was the first to be arraigned. Police acting on information arrested Cromwell at the Eugene F Correia International Airport on Monday, just before he boarded a flight to Suriname.
He was then hauled before the court.
The matters have been adjourned until May 17.
Police stated that Constable Harlequin, and another rank were performing traffic duties at the Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD), when they intercepted a heavily tinted vehicle driven by Edwards, with Cromwell as a passenger.

As Constable Harlequin approached Edwards and informed him of the traffic offences, he refused to comply with the officer’s request to take his vehicle to the Sparendaam Police Station for inspection. Instead, Edwards sped off, and the officers pursued him.
Eventually, the vehicle was intercepted in the vicinity of MovieTowne.
The situation escalated when Edwards approached the officer and started hurling expletives towards him. The officer retaliated by making attempts to arrest Edwards, but Edwards and Cromwell attacked and started to assault the peace officer.
Public-spirited citizens who witnessed the incident intervened, and one man, who was later identified as an ex-Police officer, confronted the assailants. Edwards was eventually arrested and taken into custody at the Sparendaam Police Station.
The ordeal was video recorded and shared on social media.

Zero-tolerance
In light of the increasing attacks on Police officers while they are executing their duties, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has expressed the Police Force’s zero-tolerance for unprovoked attacks on ranks.
He made it clear that the Police Force will not tolerate any such behaviour, and will take appropriate action against anyone who assaults Police officers while performing their duties.
“Commissioner of Police Mr Clifton Hicken has expressed outrage at the assault and said this behaviour would not be tolerated, and anyone who feels they can assault and attack the Police while carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect will face the full brunt of the law,” a statement from Police Headquarters said.
Meanwhile, the Top Cop is asking the general public to continue assisting officers as they aim to maintain law and order.
In addition, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and APNU’s Shadow Home Affairs Minister, Attorney-at-Law Geeta Chandan-Edmond has also condemned the abhorrent and abominable conduct of the two civilians and said she has examined attempts to defend this action by the perpetrators.
“I have taken note of the content of the video recording and the subsequent release from the Guyana Police Force in relation to this incident… civilians are required and urged to respect members of the armed forces who are discharging their duties within the confines of the law. Similarly, Police ranks are required to execute their duties within the confines of the law.”
She further reminded civilians that in instances where ranks act contrary to the provisions of law, there are mechanisms for recourse.
“First, we should comply and then complain. I trust the Guyana Police Force will ensure that there is maximum accountability consistent with the law.” (G1)