At about 0945h. today, police ranks on a marine patrol in the Demerara River, acting on information received, went to the Houston Fishing Wharf, EBD, where they saw a man acting in a suspicious manner.
A release from the police said that ranks approached him and during an attempt to conduct a search, the man resisted and assaulted one of the police ranks.
He walked away and proceeded to an area in the vicinity of the Gafoors Complex where he was approached by ranks of a mobile police patrol that had responded to give assistance, the police say. During efforts to detain him, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed Constable Antonio Dawson of Impact Base, Brickdam, to his neck, chest and abdomen. He was admitted to hospital in a serious condition and died several hours later, the police said.
The attacker then proceeded to stab himself about his body and also slit his throat. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC.
Varying quantities of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy were found in his pants pockets and the weapon (knife) has been recovered by the police.
The body of the man who is of African descent, and is so far unidentified, is at the GPHC Mortuary, the police added.
Investigations are in progress.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud today visited the home of the late Police Constable at Goed Intent, WBD, where he met with his parents, Neville Dawson and Yvonne Dawson, and offered condolences on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, a release from the police said.
The Commissioner was accompanied by Senior Police officials including Commander ‘A’ Division Assistant Commissioner Clifon Hicken, Commander ‘D’ Division Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell, Staff Officer ‘Administration’ Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham and Force Welfare Officer Assistant Superintendent Lorraine Saul.
During the visit words of comfort and spiritual upliftment were also offered by Pastor Deryck Anderson of the COPS and Faith Community Network.
The Ministry of the Presidency also offered its condolences.
A Ministry of the Presidency statement follows:
The President, Ministers and staff of the Ministry of the Presidency would like to extend sincere condolences to the family members and friends of the late Constable Antonio Dawson, who lost his life while on active duty today.
While we acknowledge that this is indeed a difficult time for the family, we hope that comfort can be taken from the fact that he died not only as a guardian of our liberty but also as a true embodiment of the spirit of service to a cause greater than ourselves.
Our nation is grateful for the dedication, pride and service of Constable Dawson who risked his life to ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods and citizens.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you in this difficult time.
