Patrons attacked police
After an armed Police Corporal ordered the music off at a Wales barbecue just after midnight yesterday he was attacked by angry patrons resulting in three persons being hit by bullets.

A round was accidentally discharged injuring two men and the rank was then forced to shoot his attacker in defence. The injuries sustained were not serious.

Police in a statement last evening said that they had given permission to Muniram, called `Reds’, to hold the barbecue at Post Office Street, Wales. The man was given a specific time frame; Saturday from 8 pm to midnight.

Two police ranks, the release stated, were assigned to the event. One of the ranks, a corporal who was armed with a .38 revolver, asked Muniram to shut down the music at the specified time and the man agreed.

However, his patrons weren’t pleased. Hemraj Kedna called ‘Macaw’, 35, Ramesh Persaud, 20, and a 14-year-old, were among those dissatisfied. Kedna had a beer bottle in his hand and, according to police, appeared to be intoxicated.

The three approached the corporal in an unruly manner, hurling abuse and demanding that the music be turned back on, the police said. Kedna then physically attacked the police rank and a scuffle ensued during which a round went off from the police’s service revolver.

The 14-year-old sustained an injury to his left ankle while Persaud was injured below his right knee. However, this was not the end of it as Kedna smashed the beer bottle and again attacked the corporal.

The police press release said the corporal then discharged a round at Kedna which hit his left shoulder.
The injured men were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention. They were subsequently discharged. Charges are likely to be filed.

Residents have complained frequently about noisy events in their communities which go late into the morning. The police have come under pressure to crack down on this practice.