Cops quiz 8 in Valencia shooting

EIGHT people have so far been questioned in connection with Sunday’s police shooting death of St Ann’s Hospital outpatient, Gideon Edwards.

Of the eight questioned, senior officers told Newsday yesterday that five are police officers. The other three are civilians. Senior police officers also told Newsday that several more people are to be questioned in connection with the fatal shooting of Edwards, which occurred on Kangalee Street, Valencia. Investigators also said that there is more field work to be done, and the investigations may be completed by Monday. ASP Errol Dillon, in charge of crime for the Northern Division, is lead investigator. Edwards, 45, of Kangalee Street, was shot and killed after he allegedly attacked an officer with a cutlass.  Officers of the Valencia Police Post had responded to a call that Edwards was threatening people in the area.

The St Ann’s outpatient was then shot in the hip and later died at the Sangre Grande Hospital. The officer who is alleged to have shot Edwards is reportedly receiving counselling. The shooting has left relatives and residents charging that the police used excessive force.  It was one of two police shooting deaths that left residents and relatives clamouring for a police probe. On May 14, Toco resident Glenroy Elder, 42, of L’Anse Noire was shot and killed after police said he attacked them.  The shooting incident sparked protests by villagers, some of whom have since charged that the officer who did the shooting was not rostered to work.