PRESS RELEASE – On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 about 6:10 p.m. officers attached to the Soufriere Police Station were on mobile patrol in New Development Soufriere when they conducted a search on the person of Kervin Joseph of New Development Soufriere.
The search revealed one bag containing a cutlass and fruits.Joseph then resisted arrest which resulted in a chase which ended near the New Development River.
Constable 845 Jn. Baptiste sustained injury by two stones hurled at him by Joseph whilst he was being chased.
A struggle ensued between Jn. Baptiste and Joseph causing both men to fall into the said river. The struggle continued during which time, Joseph made several attempts to disarm Jn. Baptiste. Owing to the violent struggle, several rounds were discharged.
Constable 518 Darcheville, a police officer who was present, attempted to render assistance but sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg.
Jn. Baptiste allegedly lost consciousness in the river and at that point another police officer discharged one round of ammunition at Joseph, hitting him in the torso.
Later, the three named injured individuals namely, Constable Jn. Baptiste Constable Darcheville and Joseph were all transported via ambulance to the Soufriere Hospital for further medical treatment.
The police officers were subsequently conveyed to the St. Jude Hospital for medical treatment via ambulance. The said ambulance was attacked by an angry mob resulting in damage to windows and doors.
Joseph succumbed to his injuries at the Soufriere Hospital.
This is the sixteenth homicide for the year 2015.
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