Following the shooting of businessman Orin Boston on Wednesday morning along with unrest by villagers at the Dartmouth Essequibo, acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifton Hickens and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum along with other senior members of the Guyana Police Force hosted a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
The Special Weapons and Tactics Unit Team consisting of one officer and 11 ranks were deployed on Tuesday September 14 from Headquarters Georgetown to conduct an anti-crime operation in the region.
According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the team commenced operation at about 2:00hrs on Wednesday morning, where two locations were visited before arriving at Boston’s Dartmouth home at about 4:40hrs. He however claimed that he was not made aware of the specific operation as Crime Chief of the police force.
The Crime Chief indicated that the search conducted at these locations were for ‘prohibited items’ but was unable to provide media operatives with the specifics. He however indicated ranks were armed with .223 caliber rifles which shot the businessman to his upper section of his left arm.
Acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie stated that the rank that shot Boston is on close arrest as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) commence an independent and partial investigation.
Further, the acting Commissioner could not state whether any Standard Operation Procedures were breached but said it will be revealed in the independent investigation.
While on ground to visit family members and witness the unrest with residents, Commissioner Hoppie said that he has reassured them that a thorough investigation will be done to conclude what happened on Wednesday morning.
29 year old Orin Boston was shot dead by ranks of the SWAT team while in his bedroom. His wife claims that the man was shot in his sleep while the Guyana Police Force stated that there was a confrontation between ranks and the man which resulted in him being shot.
The police have however confirmed that nothing was found in Boston’s property and the man was never prosecuted by the police.
