In the latest bout of gunfire, residents are saying it was the police who fired upon them while the officers insist they were responding after being set upon first.
Gunshots erupted in Chapman Lane, St Michael, late Thursday night, the latest in violent clashes that have plagued the country for the first few weeks of the year, leading to the death of three Barbadians.
However, this time around the residents are saying instead of the lawless it was those who are charged with keeping law and order, and that has left some of them fearing for their lives. The villagers said that gunplay has been going on for the past few months, but Thursday’s exchange of gunfire around 9 p.m. has caused them greater alarm since they alleged it came at the hands of the police. Many were unwilling to speak on record, but pointed an accusing finger at the police for the shooting incident.
However, a police press release stated that anti-gun and anti-gang units were on routine mobile patrol duty in the areas of Chapman Lane, New Orleans and Murphy’s Pasture around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday and while travelling through Murphy’s Pasture, they were fired upon by people who were liming. (SB)
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