The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force says it is conducting a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the case in which a police officer shot and killed a man in the line of duty in Spring Village on April 21.
The dead man has been identified as Ashley Lowman of Sion Hill/Spring Village.
The Police Public Relations and Complaint Department said that preliminary investigations show that around 9:55 p.m. on April 21, officers responded to a report by a Spring Village resident about an intruder at his home.
“Upon arrival, the officers observed that the house was secured from the inside, with visible signs of forced entry through a broken window,” the police statement said.
“Officers made contact with Ashley Lowman, who was inside the residence, and instructed him to exit. During the subsequent engagement, Mr. Lowman reportedly became aggressive, armed himself with two knives, and inflicted an injury to the hand of one of the responding officers. In an effort to prevent further harm, the officer discharged his firearm, striking Mr. Lowman.”
Police said that Lowman was immediately transported to the Chateaubelair Hospital, where the attending physician pronounced him dead at approximately 11:38 p.m.
“The injured officer received medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the police statement said
It said officers from the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and recovered several items of evidential value.
“The matter is under active investigation and is being reviewed by the relevant authorities by established procedures.
“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the immediate family and friends of the deceased. Furthermore, the RSVGPF is conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Police are asking anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station, the Criminal Investigations Department/Major Crimes Unit at 784-456-1810, or Police Control at 784-457-1211.
Why ask for 8nformation? The police shot the man and he died. It is going to be covered up as per usual. The cop will be released from all charges and will be promoted. Investigation done!!.
Why is police still investigating police in svg, why isn’t there an independent unit that can at least appear to be partial in this process ? Can we expect a different outcome if we do the same thing?
They are talking about another police not RSVGPF. What SVG needs is a revolution. Out with all these puppets and boot lickers. This matter will remain under investigation as usual so don’t worry about it, It is not your problem, just carry on with your lives. The RSVGPF will solve it.
Pure wickedness in our backward society for the police to investigate themselves and hope for an impartial inquiry. Instead, we are getting one based on a glaring conflict of interest!
Instead, an impartial organization from outside of our tiny country should be in charge of such investigations.
No matter who we get to do the investigation the government has a of getting in the center and making the final decision, you people not reading between the lines, no matter who goes in power NDP/ULP is the same way all of them have the same conniving pattern a dog is a dog only different breed.
Easier said than done, think about it. An Independent Unit of how many trained law men / investigators to investigate a maximum of 3 to 4 fatal / non-fatal incidents involving the Police per year. What would this team be doing after that?