Lethem Police Officer-in-Charge shot at night club brawl

Last Updated on Saturday, 25 October 2014, 13:12 by GxMedia

The Officer-in-Charge of the Lethem Police Station was early Saturday morning shot and injured during a brawl at a disco in the southern Guyanese township near the border with Brazil, police confirmed.

Assistant Superintendent Deo Rooplall was shot to one of his legs and was rushed to the Lethem Hospital. He was treated and sent away.

The incident occurred about 4 AM at Jag’s Night Club, Tabatinga.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Senior Superintendent Leslie James said a guard at teclub was detained and the firearm that he was permitted to carry while on duty was seized.

James said about seven rounds were discharged allegedly in the air but that explanation raises questions how one of the rounds would have descended and injured Rooplall.

The Crime Chief said the brawl also involved Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers and civilians. He said the investigations have so far found that Rooplall intervened in the in an attempt to quell the situation.

James said the guard told investigators that he believed that the Police Officer was under threat and so he discharged a number of rounds.

According to reports from the scene, there was a scuffle between a man and a police officer attired in civilian clothing. It was reported that the male patron was armed with a hand gun This prompted members of the GDF  and the Lethem Police Station’s Officer in  Charge who were at the night club to intervene.
The officer in charge, Mr. Rooplall who was also at the club also intervene. Gun shots were fired in the night spot by the members of the armed force, at which time Mr. Rooplall was shot and was whisked away to the hospital.

Meanwhile, residents to voice their concerns in the housing scheme which falls on deaf ears about noise nuisance emanating from the two night clubs in the Housing Scheme,-City Boys and Jags.

One resident expressed disgust  about the lawlessness that transpires during the opening hours  of the night clubs until day clean.

The resident pointed out that nowhere in Guyana in Housing Scheme discos and night clubs are found and why is the government permitting this in the Tabatinga Housing Scheme.

Resident are calling on the Ministry of Housing to review this since residents in the housing scheme deserve their peace. 
James said the guard told investigators that he believed that the Police Officer was under threat and so he discharged a number of rounds.