Press Releases

On Wednesday, 24 June, while on duty in the Seymour Road area of George Town, officers observed an individual fitting the description of a man wanted for assaulting a police officer.

After the man was positively identified, officers instructed him to remain where he was. He failed to comply and attempted to flee the location. The man violently resisted officers’ attempts to detain him, including throwing an object that did not strike the officers.

Officers subsequently deployed a baton and safely subdued the man.

During the incident, an officer sustained an injury to the shoulder and was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

The man, age 35 of a West Bay address, was arrested and remains in police custody.

He is also being investigated in relation to a separate incident that occurred on Friday, 19 June, at a liquor-licensed establishment along Eastern Avenue.

During that incident, a police officer attempted to intervene in a physical altercation involving the 35-year-old, who assaulted another individual, then assaulted the officer and fled the location.

"Over the past three years, the RCIPS has recorded more than 86 incidents of assault against police officers.  In addition to the impact on the physical well-being of officers who were injured while on-duty, these incidents affect operational capacity and, ultimately, the service we provide to our communities. Assaults on police officers are completely unacceptable,” said Commissioner Walton.    

“On a wider scale, morale is significantly impacted when officers and staff see their friends and colleagues being assaulted and abused which, in turn, can undermine the ability of the police service to recruit new people into the organisation.

Serving officers should not have to face violence for carrying out their lawful duties.  We will continue to take decisive action against anyone who assaults a police officer."

Both matters remain under police investigation.