A security guard at the Kingstown Co-Operative Credit Union (KCCU) shot one of its members dead on Wednesday during an altercation, allegedly over the member switching lines while doing business at the credit union’s headquarters.
Police have identified the dead man as Shernard Gloster, 47, of Keartons, Barrouallie.
He died in the foyer of the building, close to the exit, after being shot once in the chest, well-placed sources have told iWitness News.
The security guard, who is employed by Guardsman SVG Ltd., is said to have fired the fatal round from the pistol that was assigned to him to execute his duties.
Police identified the shooting victim but did not disclose the identity of the security guard in a statement on Wednesday.
They said he was in custody, assisting detectives from the Major Crime Unit with their investigation.
The statement said that preliminary investigations revealed that at approximately 12:35 p.m., Gloster visited the KCCU office to conduct business.
“During his visit, an altercation occurred between Gloster and an on-duty security guard, resulting in Gloster being fatally shot.”
Police said they responded and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit processed the area and recovered “several items of evidential value.
“Gloster was later pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner,” the statement said, adding that a post mortem is scheduled to be conducted on his body on Thursday.
iWitness News understands that Gloster is based overseas and was visiting his home country for a celebratory event.
Meanwhile, journalist Ashford Peters, writing for Caribbean Independent Broadcasting Service – CIBS, quoted a witness with a heart condition as saying that they almost had a seizure after the security officer shot the customer dead.
“I was trying to take my medication and nearly throw out all the tablets,” the witness told CIBS minutes after the incident.
The CIBS report said the witness was in line in the cashier/teller section when the incident occurred.
The witness said there was an argument between Gloster and the security guard after the security guard accosted the customer about switching from the customer service line to the cashier/teller line.
“A tussle ensued and the security guard forcefully removed the customer from the main office to the foyer area. In that area, there was a scuffle between the two. The security guard drew his firearm and allegedly shot the customer,” CIBS reported.
“After the customer was shot, the security guard let him go and he fell on the stairs. His body soon became lifeless,” the CIBS report further stated, adding that a number of people gave similar accounts of the incident.
Police are asking people with information to telephone 999 or 911, (784) 457-1211, (784) 457-1211 Ext. 4876, or (784) 456-1810.
Credit union issues statement
In a statement published on its Facebook page Wednesday night, KCCU said it “regrets to confirm that an incident occurred at our headquarters, on July 9th, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person”.
The credit union said operations at its Kingstown located were halted immediately, and the office was closed for the remainder of the day.
“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of life and extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident,” the credit union said.
It said that the “safety, dignity, and well-being of our members, staff, and the wider community remain our priorities. We have engaged counselling and support services for our employees and other affected persons”.
The statement noted that the police force is conducting investigations into the incident “and we await the outcome of these investigations.
“We understand and appreciate the public’s concern and solicit your forbearance at this time.”