A member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) died on Wednesday after he reportedly called a close relative, saying he was going to kill himself amid a sex crime allegation.
The police force has confirmed the death of Police Constable 1116 Kenrick Scott, following an incident around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
The constabulary offered no details about the death, saying that investigations are ongoing and an update would be given when it is completed.
However, iWitness News was reliably informed that Scott, who was assigned to the Special Services Unit, a tactical unit whose members carry firearms at all times while on duty, had been accused of committing a serious sex crime the previous night.
The alleged victim had reportedly threatened to report the crime against her but it was not clear if such a report was filed.
Scott is said to have reported to the SSU Base at the Old Monstrose Police Station, where a rehearsal was taking place for the funeral on Saturday of a police officer who died of natural causes.
Reports are that Scott also had to relieve another officer who was on duty, so he was issued a service pistol.
At some point, as the rehearsal was taking place, Scott is said to have gone to a bushy area near the base and telephoned a close relative, showed the relative his service pistol and told her he was going to end his life.
He is said to have ended the call, leaving the relative to call another police officer, who relayed the message to the base.
Based on the information that Scott was in a bushy area while on the call, the officers located him shortly after, dead with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot injury to the head.
A source told iWitness News that Scott is believed to have used his knowledge of the parade elements to mask the gunshot that ended his life.
During the rehearsal, officers would fire blank rounds and Scott is believed to have fired his weapon as the commanding officer ordered the firing party to fire, as they would during the funeral.
Scott’s death came as he was supposed to perform duties on Saturday at the military funeral of PC 762 Warith McBride, who died on May 31. McBride had a heart condition.
Police confirmed Scott’s death in a statement on Wednesday, saying:
“The circumstances surrounding Constable Scott’s death are currently under investigation. Further information will be provided once the relevant facts have been verified and the necessary investigative procedures have been completed.
“The Commissioner of Police, the High Command, and the rank and file of the RSVGPF extend sincere condolences to Constable Scott’s family, friends, and colleagues during this deeply difficult time.
“The RSVGPF appeals to members of the public and the media to respect the privacy of Constable Scott’s family and to refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information concerning his death.”