Taser studs removed from man dead in police custody; four ranks arrested

Last Updated on Monday, 2 November 2026, 21:02 by Writer

An autopsy on Monday revealed that a man, who died in police custody, succumbed to brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said.

The law enforcement agency said four members of the force, who were stationed at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station have been arrested and remain in custody at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Douglas’s death.

Government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh also removed two taser studs from the body of 32-year-old Gavin Douglas.

Police said they were lodged as exhibits.

Douglas, a labourer of Crane, West Coast Demerara and Recht-Door-Zee, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, died last Wednesday shortly after he was found frothing at the mouth in the lockups at the Vreed-en-Hoop police station. He was arrested as part of a probe into an armed robbery report.

The police force sought to assure the public that the matter was being treated with the “utmost seriousness” and steps were being taken to ensure a “thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.”

“The Force remains committed to accountability and the rule of law and will take appropriate action against any rank found culpable, in accordance with the law,” the police force added.