Cops arrest Coast Guard officer

It was a case of handcuffs versus handcuffs, but in the end the Police Service prevailed as the policeman called for back-up. The coastguardsman was taken to the San Fernando Police Station where he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and playing loud music in a vehicle while it is in motion.

The confrontation between PC Sujeet Ramcharan and the coastguardsman took place at about 4 am at Cross Crossing in San Fernando, in an area commonly known as ‘The Cross’ which is popular with limers. A police report stated that a vehicle entered the ‘The Cross’ which is lined with food stalls, but its music was blaring so loudly that it triggered the alarm in several parked vehicles.

PC Ramcharran spoke to the driver about the loud music, the report stated, but the driver shouted, “Who’s you? I is ah Lieutenant in the Coast Guard! I could lock you up!” PC Ramcharan and PC Mahabir were at the time armed and wearing tatical police uniform. Nearby a police vehicle with its blue lights blinking, was parked.

The driver was asked for his licence and insurance, but replied, “Boy, you doh know nothing.

I is ah Lieutenant and I now from a function with the Prime Minister!” The driver came out the vehicle, the report stated, and shouted, “I go call (Prime Minister) Dr (Keith) Rowley for allyuh...you know I could lock all yuh up to!” The man eventually handed over his driver’s licence and insurance to the officers who advised him to follow them to the police station. “Allyuh have to get a sergeant to lock up me tonight! I is a lieutenant,” the man shouted. PCs Ramcharan and Mahabir confronted and attempted to arrest the driver who pulled out a pair of handcuffs and swung it at the officers.

The driver charged at PC Ramcharan and shouted, “I could arrest you under Section 14:01.

I will lock-up two ah allyuh! All yuh is constable, I is Lieutenant.” PC Mahabir radioed for back-up. Officers from the Southern Division Task Force arrived and the driver was arrested and taken to station.

A breathalyser test was administed which the driver failed. He was then charged. The driver later confessed he was not a Lieutenant but an Able Body Seaman in the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard was contacted and officers arrived at the police station and took their colleague into custody. He will appear before a San Fernando Magistrate tomorrow.