The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into the death of Gavin Kennard Douglas, with police saying the 32-year-old was restrained after resisting ranks and later found frothing at the mouth inside the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station lockups.
The Guyana Police Force’s statement follows allegations by Douglas’ father, Devon Douglas, that police brutality led to his son’s death on Saturday.
According to the police account, Douglas, a labourer of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was arrested that day in connection with an alleged armed robbery committed on October 28 at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop.
Police said he was escorted to the station at approximately 11:36 a.m. About 24 minutes later, while being placed into the lockups, Douglas allegedly became aggressive and resisted officers.
“Douglas was subsequently restrained and placed into the lockups,” the Force stated.
The statement did not describe how he was restrained or specify the force used by the officers involved.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., police said Douglas was observed frothing at the mouth during a check of the lockups. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where, according to the Force, he died while receiving medical attention.
The police account places Douglas’ death at the hospital, following the incident at the station. Initial reports had indicated that he died at the station.
Earlier, his father, known as “Texas,” publicly demanded answers and accused police of responsibility for his son’s death. He also alleged that an officer had previously threatened to kill Gavin during an encounter at a police station last year.
“I need justice. And let it be fast,” the father said in a video shared on Facebook.
Other allegations circulating about Douglas’ treatment included claims that he was beaten while naked and restrained, subjected to taser shocks and had water thrown on him. His father also shared photographs purporting to show injuries to his son’s body.
