Minibus driver, conductor charged for assaulting cop

After a video surfaced of a Route 45 minibus driver and his conductor assaulting a Police Officer and went viral on a social media website, the duo was on Monday charged.
Bus driver Carlos Bacchus, 29, of Lot 26 Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and his 26-year-old conductor, Troy Peters, both denied three charges with which they were slapped – assault, obstructing traffic and resisting arrest.
It is alleged that on February 13, 2019 at the intersection of South Road and King Street, Georgetown, they resisted arrest by Police Constable Joel Samuel, who was at the time acting in the execution of his duties.
The prosecution is contending that on February 13, 2019, the Virtual Complainant, who was fully dressed in his uniform, was executing duties in the area when he observed a minibus bearing registration numbers PTT 9295 soliciting passengers on the southern side of the street. This vehicle was allegedly obstructing traffic.
As such, the officer went over to the accused and told them of the offence. The duo later became annoyed and began behaving disorderly when they were warned for a second time by the peace officer.
According to the prosecution’s case, the already enraged men began assaulting the traffic cop, who attempted to arrest them both.
Defence Attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, in a bail application, informed the court that there was a fight between the officer and his clients. Further, the court was also told that the Police Officer was known to his clients since they were in a love affair with the same girl.
Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail, stating that a strong message must be sent to other bus operators who assault Police Officers as they execute their duties.
The defendants were released on $20,000 bail for each offence by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. The case will continue on March 11, 2019.