Mere hours after a security officer was shot thrice by police ranks during a cutlass attack, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Dead is 47-year-old Mark Johnson of Lot 13 Nurney Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
Based on information received, on the day in question police were patrolling the area when they were stopped by a relative of the now dead man who alleged that he attacked her with a cutlass. Earlier, she claimed that he threw several glass bottles at her home.
However, the ranks went to the home of the now dead man and called out to him. He showed himself to the police while reportedly brandishing a cutlass. He was given several warnings to dispose of the cutlass but instead, he reportedly made advances to the police.
Again, he was ordered to put down the cutlass but he refused. One the ranks reportedly discharged a round to scare off Johnson but he continued in a menacing way towards the ranks.
It was at this time, Guyana Times understands that another police discharged five rounds in Johnson’s direction.
As a result, he was struck three times – once to his right ankle, one time to his right upper thigh and once below the right knee. All the bullets entered and exited.
He was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted a patient. He, however, succumbed while receiving medical attention.
The three ranks have reportedly been placed under close arrest as investigations continue into the fatal shooting.
