Investigation into circumstances of minor with Police firearm

by Linda Straker

• Incident occurred at Sauteurs Police Station
• Male minor left station with loaded firearm belonging to a police officer
• Minor quickly detained by Rapid Response Unit

The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has confirmed investigating an incident which occurred at the Sauteurs Police Station involving a firearm and member of the public.

It is understood that a male minor who recently graduated from a secondary school in the parish and is known to be mentally challenged, went into the police station for unknown reasons and walked out with a loaded firearm that belongs to a police officer.

The minor reportedly walked the streets of Sauteurs with the gun in public view and it was members of the public who alerted the Police that the young man was openly displaying a gun. He was quickly detained by the Rapid Response Unit, and it is not known if he was charged or will be facing charges.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the matter and the aggressive investigation which is underway, we are unable to provide details at this time,” was the response received from the RGPF Community Relations Department via WhatsApp, after inquiries were made.

Grenada recently amended its Firearms Act; the amendment prohibits the magistrate from granting bail to any person who is caught with illegal firearms. Firearm offences are at the same level as murder and treason.

Bail can only be granted if application is made to a judge in chamber through an attorney and there is no guarantee that the application will be granted. Since that law came into force on 1 August, several people have been placed at the remand section of His Majesty’s Prisons as they await a hearing of a bail application or a trial of their matter.

The latest, according to a police statement is Kenniel Andrews, 23 years, Unemployed of La Mode, St George who was charged by police with the offences of Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.

Andrews was brought to the St George’s Magistrate Court on 9 September 2024 and was remanded to His Majesty’s Prisons. He is scheduled to return to court on Friday, 20 September.