Cops come under rock fire during arrest

(CNS): A group of people hurled rocks at police officers on Friday night when they arrested a West Bay man for possession of adapted flare guns and drugs. The incident began just after 11pm, when armed officers patrolling Watercourse Road spotted a man behaving suspiciously. Police said that as the officers approached, he hurried away, discarding items as he went, but they chased him on foot and caught him. With help from the K-9 unit, they retrieved a quantity of suspected ganja and an adapted flare gun painted black, loaded with a cartridge. But during the search people near the scene began throwing rocks at the police.

No one was injured but police were unable to detain any of the rock throwing suspects, a spokesperson for the RCIPS stated. The officers pressed on with the arrest of the 30-year-old man, and during a searched of his home they found a second adapted flare gun, which was also painted black but with a long, extended barrel.

Photos supplied by the RCIPS: Adapted flare gun recovered at scene

The man was arrested, detained and then charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent and possession of ganja with intent to supply. He was due to appear in court today.

The incident was one of a number of arrests made during what police described as a very busy weekend, in which they rounded up 21 suspects and several drivers for drinking and driving.

“Proactive actions by officers continue to remove threats to public safety, such as drugs, firearms and intoxicated drivers,” said Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton. “Our officers continue to demonstrate resolve and take these actions even when they encounter danger and resistance.”