Walrond promises fair investigation into death of man in Police custody
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has assured the family of 32-year-old Gavin Kennard Douglas that allegations surrounding his death while in Police custody will be investigated fairly, stressing that accountability must follow wherever wrongdoing is established.
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into Douglas’ death following an incident at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, West Coast Demerara, on Saturday.
“I recognise the pain they are experiencing and, importantly, their need for answers,” Minister Walrond said in a video statement on her Facebook page.
The minister stressed that any death involving a person in state custody must be treated as a serious matter.
“When someone is taken into police custody the state assumes responsibility for that person safety and well being,” Walrond said.
She also acknowledged the allegations surrounding Douglas’ death, but said investigators must be allowed to establish the circumstances through evidence.
“I expect that investigation to be thorough, impartial and conducted with urgency. If wrongdoing is established, appropriate action must follow,” she said.
She further assured the family and the wider public that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it demands, adding that Douglas’ relatives deserve the truth about what happened.
Douglas, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on Saturday in connection with an alleged armed robbery committed on Wednesday, October 28, at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop.
According to Police Headquarters, he was escorted to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station at approximately 11:36 hrs.
Around 12:00 hrs, while being placed in the lockups, Douglas reportedly became aggressive and resisted police ranks. He was subsequently restrained and placed in the lockups.
However, at approximately 12:45 hrs, ranks conducting checks discovered him frothing at the mouth.
He was immediately rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.
The OPR is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
