BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSNPF) has issued a statement on the tragic passing of Constable 787 Brian J. Pacquette at a medical institution in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Signed by Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley, the statement indicated that despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Constable Pacquette died around 5:30 a.m. today (Jul. 18) in Trinidad.
It stated that on June 23, 2016, Constable Pacquette received gunshot injuries to his right leg in the execution of his duties and was taken to the JNF General Hospital where he was treated and warded on the Intensive Care Unit.
“On 27 June 2016, he was transferred to the West Shore Medical Facility in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago via Air Ambulance.
“During the period of time Officer Pacquette was hospitalized overseas, the Commissioner of Police was in constant communication (twice daily) with the medical professionals in whose care he was entrusted, and was updated regularly on his progress. The Commissioner was also in touch with family members and provided the necessary support to facilitate their stay in Trinidad,” the statement reads.
It noted that Pacquette’s passing is a tragic and unexpected loss for the men and women of the Police Force, adding that the late Constable would long be remembered by his fellow officers for his energy, positive outlook and love for the Police Force.
The statement said he has had a tremendous impact not only on his colleagues but also on the wider community in which he served.
The Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty join the High Command, Gazetted Officers and other ranks of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force in extending our deepest sympathy the family of Constable Pacquette at this difficult time.
Members of the High Command expressed their gratitude to a number of individuals for the assistance they provided during Pacquette’s time of need.
“The Police High Command would also like to thank the medical professionals and, in particular, the Medical Chief of Staff at the JNF General Hospital, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson and his colleague in Trinidad, Dr. Shamir Cawich, for the high level of professionalism displayed and the tremendous assistance they provided at all times.
“Gratitude is also extended to the Commissioner of Police in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Stephen Williams, and the Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Rodney Smart for the assistance provided in supporting logistics and the donation of blood to Officer Pacquette.”
The statement ended with the High Command saying: “Our prayers and best wishes remain with the family at this most difficult time.”
At about 1:00 a.m. on the day in question, while Constable Pacquette and another rank had responded to a report of larceny in the Greenlands area, they had stopped an individual of interest in Prickle Pear Alley and decided to conduct a search of his person.
During the search, the officers reportedly found that the man had a knife in his possession and they decided to take him into custody. However, a struggle ensured among the three of them and the man allegedly grabbed Paquette’s service pistol from which a round was discharged during the process and struck him in his left leg.
It was learnt that the other officer subdued the individual, whose name was given as Evron Williams, and he was taken into custody at the Basseterre Police Station and later charged with attempting to make use of a firearm with intent to prevent lawful apprehension of himself.
This publication was told that the officer had made several calls to get a unit from the Emergency Medical Services for the injured Constable, who was bleeding profusely, to be transported to the JNF Hospital, but they were all futile. A police patrol vehicle had however responded and took him to the medical institution.
On Wednesday afternoon (Jun. 29), the police issued a release that read, “With regards to the incident which took place on Thursday June 23rd in Basseterre, the matter has been referred to the Office of Professional Standards and the injured officer is presently receiving further medical treatment overseas. We want to reassure the public that we will follow the procedure to the highest standard and will keep them informed of any developments as they occur.”
SKNVibes had learnt that Williams did not shoot Paquette, but his fellow officer did. This was confirmed by the contents of the release even though it lacked certain information.
This publication also learned that Constable Paquette was at the JNF Hospital for approximately four days before he was flown out to Trinidad for advance medical treatment, where his right leg was amputated.
