A man arrested alongside Gavin Kennard Douglas has challenged the police account of the events preceding Douglas’ death, alleging that officers restrained him with his hands behind his back and armed themselves with tasers inside the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.
Terrence Kishore, a 57-year-old mason and carpenter, made the allegations during an interview with journalist Leroy Smith. He called for the release of surveillance footage from the station, saying it would establish what happened on October 31.
“Now, I want the police bring out the footage,” Kishore said.
His account follows the Guyana Police Force’s announcement that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating Douglas’ death. Police said Douglas became aggressive and resisted ranks while being placed into the lockups, was restrained, and was later discovered frothing at the mouth.
Kishore disputed the claim that his friend resisted being taken into the cell.
“He go to the cell gently. He never make no problem to go to the cell,” he told Smith.
According to Kishore, Douglas repeatedly requested a telephone call to his mother. He also said Douglas objected to removing his clothing.
Kishore said the two were arrested at approximately 11:20 a.m. at New Road and taken to the station. He described Douglas as his friend, whom he knew as “Tall Man.”
Recounting the arrest, Kishore said Douglas agreed to go to the station but insisted on driving his own car. Two officers accompanied Douglas in that vehicle, while Kishore travelled in a police vehicle.
At the station, Kishore alleged that he saw four officers obtain tasers and that Douglas’ hands were secured behind his back with what he described as a plastic tie strap.
He accused the officers of causing Douglas’ death. Kishore also claimed that officers’ uniforms were stained with blood and faeces and that they subsequently changed into jerseys.
He said he could identify the officers involved and was prepared to repeat his account before investigators or a court.
“I’m not scared. I’m not afraid. Nobody’s telling me to say what I’m saying,” he stated.
Smith introduced Kishore as having been released on bail following his detention.
The police statement issued before the interview gave a different account of the incident. It identified Douglas as a 32-year-old labourer of Crane Housing Scheme who had been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery committed on October 28 at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop.
According to police, Douglas arrived at the station at approximately 11:36 a.m. and became aggressive while being placed into the lockups around noon.
“Douglas was subsequently restrained and placed into the lockups,” the Force said, without specifying how he was restrained or whether a taser was used.
Police said a check at approximately 12:45 p.m. revealed Douglas frothing at the mouth. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the Force said he died while receiving treatment.
Douglas’ father, Devon Douglas, had earlier alleged police brutality and called for justice.
