A MAN from Santa Flora was charged with assault of police officers.
Urilon Baptiste, 44, of Alexander Village was expected to appear before a Siparia Magistrate on Tuesday after being charged on Monday with assault of two police officers.
Police reported that around 7.08 pm on Monday, police officers attached to the South-Western Division Emergency Response Patrol (ERP) and the Santa Flora Police Station responded to a report of a man armed with a weapon in the Alexandra Settlement, Santa Flora area.
When officers arrived at the scene, they spotted a man who was walking and behaving in an aggressive, violent manner towards another person on the roadway.
The police officers called out to the suspect and instructed that he cease and desist.
The man allegedly ignored the officers’ commands and continued behaving in a violent manner.
PCs Rasool and Mohit attempted to restrain the suspect during which he allegedly dealt the officers several cuffs about their bodies.
WPC Clarke, on seeing this, called out to the offender to desist and step back which he again ignored, continuing his attack on the officers.
As a result, WPC Clarke became fearful for colleagues’ lives and utilising the TTPS’ Use of Force Policy, she drew her taser and discharged it in the direction of the offender.
The suspect subsequently fell to the ground and the officers were able to subdue and arrest him.
Two officers sustained injuries.
All parties were taken to the Siparia Health Facility where they underwent medical treatment.
Acting Cpl Ramlochan, of the Santa Flora Police Station, conducted further enquiries and laid the charge.
