Guyana: Teen’s Death Under Investigation, Eyewitnesses Dispute Police Account, OPR Probe Underway

Violent protests occurred in several communities along the Corentyne corridor following the death of a 16-year-old high school student during a police pursuit. The incident has led to conflicting narratives and public outrage. The Guyana Police Force claims that the teenager lost control of his motorcycle while trying to evade law enforcement. However, eyewitnesses and family members dispute this account, alleging that a police vehicle intentionally struck the motorcycle from behind, causing the teenager to crash.

The deceased, identified as Aftaz King, was a resident of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, Berbice, and had recently completed his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 18:45 hrs on Thursday along the Princeton Access Road. Traffic investigators stated that King was riding motorcycle #CL 5607 at a high speed when he attempted to evade a routine police patrol. The police narrative indicates that during the chase, he lost control and collided with a wooden utility pole, resulting in fatal injuries.

Eyewitnesses, however, reported that a police pickup truck aggressively pursued King and allegedly clipped the rear of his motorcycle, leading to the crash. Community members expressed outrage over claims that police did not provide immediate assistance, leaving the teenager’s body exposed on the road for an extended period.

As news of the incident spread, residents in Corriverton, Skeldon, and nearby areas protested by blocking roads with debris and setting fires, disrupting transit along a key highway. The political opposition condemned the police’s actions, calling it state brutality and demanding the preservation of evidence related to the incident.

In response to the unrest, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn expressed condolences to the King family and assured the public of a thorough investigation by the Police Force Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The OPR has initiated a forensic analysis of the police vehicle involved and is reconstructing the crash site. The Skeldon Line Path Secondary School community is mourning the loss of a student described as peaceful and helpful, with aspirations of joining law enforcement.

Source: hgptv.com