The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently hunting for the suspect who was seen in a video assaulting an AWOL Guyana Defence Force rank.
The GPF in a release has identified the suspect as Roman Daniel Roberts, with a last known address of Lot 38 Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.
Roberts is wanted for questioning in connection with a disturbing incident caught on camera, and which was making the rounds on social media, showing a man in GDF uniform being assaulted by a man claiming to be a gang member.
The police are appealing to anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Roberts to contact them on telephone numbers: 225-6940, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 225-8196, 227-1149 or the nearest police station.
All information given will be treated with strict confidentiality, the force assures.
In the 59-second video, the man identified as Roberts and wearing a black balaclava, while holding a knife, could be seen repeatedly striking the abdomen, face and head of the rank who at intervals blocked the blows. It is unclear when the video was recorded.
Roberts, who also goes by the name ‘Daniel’, could be distinctly heard accusing the soldier of “violating one of his gang affiliates” to which the army rank attempted to explain what transpired while being repeatedly struck by the man.
Another civilian in the video could heard saying to the supposed gang member, “Daniel, let that boy go! Let that boy go!” which he (Daniel) ignored and continued to slap and punch the soldier.
As the terrified soldier pleaded for the blows to cease, his assailant then attempted to stab him which he (soldier) managed to block. In the video, the soldier could be seen being carried out of a building by another supposed gang member.
In response, the GDF in a statement on Saturday stated that it was conducting a thorough investigation into the video. “The GDF firmly condemns the actions seen in the video, and further, requests for any information relating to same, be provided,” adding that the solider, who hasn’t been identified, has been absent for the force for over a year.
The GDF is advising persons with relevant information on the matter to contact + 592 226- 9888.
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, described the video showing a soldier in uniform being attacked by a man who claimed to be a gang member as “troubling.”
