The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is investigating a series of troubling events that unfolded late last evening and into the early hours of this morning.
These incidents involved direct gunfire aimed at our officers, threats of physical violence with the use of a machete, and alarming calls made to our Police Control Room, threatening the lives of our officers.
At approximately 12:43 a.m. today, the Police Control Room received several emergency calls reporting a single-vehicle accident at the IGA roundabout on Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
Officers were dispatched to the scene and found the vehicle overturned.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle and its occupants were involved in an earlier incident before the car crashed. An exchange of gunfire occurred with one of the gunmen.
Upon searching the vicinity of the crash vehicle, officers discovered the motionless body of a male and retrieved a firearm and ammunition.
The circumstances of the police response are currently under active investigation, including a review of any use of force. We want to assure the public that transparency and accountability are our guiding principles.
Shortly after 1 am, officers responded to a report where suspicious individuals were seen on a business property. The culprits fled the scene, and officers gave chase and were attacked by a male wielding a machete. Three males remain in custody.
Acting Commissioner Kendall Grant said, “I am deeply troubled by these events, which have endangered our officers’ lives and our community’s safety. The RT&CIPF condemns any form of violence against law enforcement personnel and members of the public.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
“An attack on our officers and communities is an attack on the very foundation of law and order that safeguards the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are committed to a thorough and impartial investigation into the use of force. While we cannot provide all the details, the public will be updated.
“Additionally, earlier this morning, the Police Control Room received multiple calls from a male threatening to harm officers of the RT&CIPF. I want to make it clear: violence against our officers and members of the community will not be tolerated. Those who attempt to harm or threaten our police officers and communities will face swift and decisive action within the bounds of the law.”
The RT&CIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on illegal activities.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.