Footage of the shooting of a member of the Kingstown Co-Operative Credit Union (KCCU) by an on-duty security guard at its headquarters on Wednesday has deepened the mystery about why the security guard drew his firearm in the first place.
The footage showed that the deceased, who police have identified as Shernard Gloster, 47, of Keartons, Barrouallie, had not caused any disturbance before the security guard approached him in an interaction that ended with Gloster being shot in the chest at KCCU’s headquarters on Granby Street, Kingstown.
The footage shows that Gloster and other members of the credit union had been queuing for service by the tellers.
There were about a dozen other members of the credit union waiting for service when Gloster looked around and appeared to notice a vacant chair in the customer service area.
Gloster went and sat in the chair for a brief period, during which time the line to the tellers moved up.
He then went back into the line, rejoining the queue behind the customer who had been in front of him before he had gone to sit in the chair.
The security guard, who is employed by Guardsman SVG Ltd., then approached Gloster and attempted to grasp his hand.
There is no audio on the footage, so it is not possible to tell what the security guard or Gloster said to each other.
However, Gloster was pointing to the line, apparently telling the guard that he had been behind the lady before sitting in the chair.
However, the security guard grabbed on to Gloster’s hand and appeared to attempt to pull him out of the line, at which point Gloster appeared to attempt to fend off the security guard.
At this point, the security guard appeared to attempt to draw his firearm from his waist.
Gloster appeared to realise that the security guard was armed and did not resist and went into the corridor near the foyer with the security guard.
The security guard then appeared to try to pull Gloster down the stairs.
Gloster appeared to continue to try to fend off the security guard, who drew his firearm and jammed Gloster against the side of the foyer.
Gloser put both of his hands to his side and he and the security guard appeared to have another exchange of words.
Gloster was still in that position when the security guard suddenly shot him in the chest, grabbed him with his left hand and appeared to throw him onto the ground.
The video did not show Gloster to be in possession of any weapon or to slap or punch the security guard.
The footage also did not suggest that Gloster had been physically or verbally aggressive to the security guard.
In a statement on Wednesday, police said that the security guard, whose name they did not disclose, was in custody, helping officers 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.”
A medical practitioner pronounced Gloster dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement Wednesday night, KCCU acknowledged that the shooting death occurred at its headquarters.
“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, adding that they were awaiting the outcome of these investigations.
“We understand and appreciate the public’s concern and solicit your forbearance at this time.”
The credit union remained closed on Thursday and is slated to resume operations on Friday.
Not everyone who is qualified to carry a firearm in vincy has the mental discipline to have a firearm, it’s sad to see that this man has lost his life because the security guard didn’t know how to use his words to resolve the matter 😢.
I read the above report and concluded that a full investigation has not concluded, however, it appears as if the victim was executed by a trigger happy security guard who had no business of being employed in the capacity of a guardsman.
Wade Simon did not know Jesus for 60 years it is time for him to repent and accept Jesus as his Lord and personal Saviour and live the rest of his life for him my deepest sympathies to Gloster family and friends
Why is the security guard armed in the first place? He is not in a position to be carrying a firearm. Trigger happy, he [allegedly] murdered the client.
Security Guard, your goose is cooked. The evidence against you [appears to be] overwhelming and I wonder what you have to say for yourself. Very sad.
I thought initially that the person killed was trying to rob the credit union. Looks like the guard was the criminal in this case. What about due diligence? Why’s the police as of late ,always getting it wrong, when it comes to issuing firearms? Is it more about connections than due diligence?
Can the security company be sued, just asking for a friend
The Police DO NOT issue firearm licence, the Firearm licensing board is the sole
Blame Ralph Gonzales gonsalves and the u.l.p for this killing they are responsible !
As reported, it is challenging to imagine how what seems to be a non-life threatening situation would be resolved in this way in the public space.
I couldn’t help but notice the kind of stories that engage us and inspire us to write and expound. Other reported events that surely impact our day-to-day lives (like those that speak to our governance, public finance resources and such like) seem to go largely unnoticed and seldom trigger us. But, give us the proverbial “blood and gore” to see us unleash the treasures of our bosoms and leave no stone unturned in our discourse.
Aldrick Williams hanging although still on the books have to satisfy the threshold of the ” worst of the worst” to warrant hanging as decided in case Regina v Trimmingham. You can commit murder without exceeding that limit or threshold.
Sue the security company guardman they are responsible for this willful killing not murder of Mr Gloster killing
Does SVG still have the death penalty? His neck needs to stretch. And look at his face. No sign of remorse.
Security company ans KCCU all of them needs to be sued
Does the firearm licensing board do a psychological evaluation of these potential firearm holders? Is someone from the police force involved in this process? I know elsewhere you go through a battery of test to ensure you’re competent to have a firearm. I know firearm holders here in Vincy who are barely literate and have seen them threaten civilians with their guns. Let’s start with a literacy and overall competence test for anyone who desires to have a firearm license in Vincy. Let’s raise the bar..our lives matter.
Aldrick Williams did someone break stick in your ears? Did you knot see someone addressed the question posed already. The death penalty is still on the books according to the above contributor to the article I forgot his name.
The security guard seemed to have exceded the capacity for which he was employed since the security/safety of the business nor the customers appeared to be compromised or under threat at any time.