BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A member of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force was relieved of duty (with pay) and had his service firearm confiscated pending the outcome of an investigation in an alleged shooting incident resulting from an alleged traffic accident.
This is according to a communiqué issued today (Jan. 10) by the institution’s Public Relations Department.
The communiqué stated that a traffic accident had allegedly occurred between an off duty police officer and a local university student.
It had however neither stated where and when the alleged accident occurred nor the names of the parties involved, but provided some details on what seem to be a highly controversial issue.
“During the encounter, it is alleged that the local student fled the scene but eventually stopped. It is alleged that the local student then drove off again from the scene even after the officer identified himself,” the communiqué read.?
It also informed that the officer discharged his service weapon at the fleeing vehicle and a bullet hah struck its front door, but no one was injured.?
“?The officer reported the incident to the Basseterre Police Headquarters. The local student also reported the incident,” it added.?
?The police also informed that an active investigation is currently underway by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Traffic Division, as there are criminal implications based on the reports of both persons.?
?”The officer,” the communiqué stated, “has been relieved of duty with pay and his firearm confiscated pending the outcome of the investigation.?”
I further stated that both parties are being questioned to the fullest extent and the Police Force intends to take the most appropriate action.
?In educating the public on what should be done in a situation if there were doubts to an officer’s authenticity, the police said: “It is very important to note that the police can be reached at 911 if there are questions about a police officer's identity. A police officer in non-classified units must present identification when asked.”
The police also advised that one should never flee the scene of an accident and should call 911 immediately.?
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