The Royal Barbados Police Force is continuing investigations into the death of a police officer who was shot and killed while responding to an attempted robbery in his neighbourhood of Rose Hill, St Peter on Saturday night.
The officer was identified as acting station sergeant, Newton Lewis, the driver assigned to Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith.
Police are asking for the public’s assistance regarding the shooting incident which occurred about 9:05 p.m.
“The officer identified as Station Sergeant (Acting) Newton Lewis, the assigned driver to the Commissioner of Police Mr Tyrone Griffith, was reported to have encountered a group of armed men who were attempting a robbery at a shop in that area. In an attempt to prevent the robbery, Station Sergeant [Acting] Lewis was shot and killed by the armed assailants,” a statement today said.
“The proprietor of a local establishment went to the home of the now-deceased to alert him and summons his assistance to a situation where several armed men were about to rob his shop. The police officer left his residence and beckoned assistance from a next-door neighbour. On nearing the establishment, he was confronted by the said armed men who opened a hail of gunfire at him. He was struck and fell to the ground and died on the said spot.
“The assailants took his police issued service firearm which fell on the ground next to him and made good their escape.
“Personnel from the Barbados Ambulance Service responded to the scene. After an examination, they found no signs of life from the body. He was pronounced dead by a medical doctor who visited the scene.”
“The Commissioner of Police, the Senior Command and Rank and file of the RBPF expresses their heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, relatives and friends of Station Sergeant (Acting) Lewis on the tragic loss of his life.”
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the District ‘E’ Police Station at 419-1730, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800- TIPS (8477) or any police station. Rodney Inniss. (PR)
