Almost one week after Police Inspector Sohan Ramdat allegedly shot a minibus driver during a confrontation at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has provided no update on the investigation.
Junior Garraway, 48, was shot in the chest and leg during the incident, which occurred at about 3.15 pm last Friday along the Buxton Railway Embankment.
Garraway was taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was examined and admitted. His condition was initially listed as serious but stable.
Despite several requests from the media, the police have not disclosed whether Ramdat remains under close arrest or whether investigators have completed their examination of his firearm.
Ramdat is an inspector attached to the Tactical Services Unit.
Video footage of the incident showed numerous vehicles caught in congested traffic, with several motorists apparently unable to proceed.
Garraway was seen attempting to direct vehicles which were blocking his path. As motorists began trying to manoeuvre out of the congestion, the car allegedly being driven by Ramdat moved forward and blocked another minibus from proceeding.
A confrontation subsequently developed between Garraway and Ramdat, during which several gunshots were heard. Garraway was then seen holding his chest and walking towards his vehicle.
The GPF initially said that it and the Office of Professional Responsibility were investigating the alleged discharge of a loaded firearm with intent.
According to the police’s preliminary account, Garraway was driving a minibus when he encountered Ramdat, who was driving a motor car. An argument developed and, during the ensuing confrontation, the inspector allegedly discharged several rounds from his service weapon, hitting Garraway.
Ramdat subsequently reported the matter and surrendered his service weapon, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, along with 13 live rounds. The firearm and ammunition were lodged pending examination.
Police also said a third vehicle in the vicinity was struck during the shooting. That vehicle, along with the vehicles driven by Garraway and Ramdat, was examined as part of the investigation.
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