Dominican shot, killed by police on boat

While police have reported that Dominican Clement Pierre was killed during an exchange of gunfire with local police, one man is giving another version of the events of July 11, 2011.{{more}}

Shortly after the Serious Offences Court adjourned on Wednesday, July 13, Vincentian Glenroy Pierre, 33, mechanic, of Queen’s Drive, told reporters that drug charges were placed on him because he witnessed what transpired between Clement Pierre and the police.

Police say they arrested Glenroy, along with Dominican Jones Telemaque, 38, after they were nabbed on a motor vessel called “Oshantie” with 31 kilograms of cocaine on the same date that Clement was shot and killed at Morne Ronde.

Telemaque and Glenroy Pierre pleaded not guilty.

In relation to the killing of the Dominican, Glenroy, seated on the prisoner’s bench, claimed he was on the Morne Ronde beach when members of the Coast Guard arrested him and placed him on their vessel. He denies being on the Oshantie.

Glenroy said while on the Coast Guard vessel, he witnessed Clement’s killing.

“I see when the boat (Oshantie) was passing by and they (police) opened fire pon de men them… The man dem ain’t even fire at the police… They just lock me up fo de coke [cocaine] because I witness[ed] a murder,” Pierre stated.

Police told SEARCHLIGHT that Clement Pierre died as a result of gunshot injuries he sustained after an exchange of gunfire with Police officers at Morne Ronde on July 11, 2011.

While speaking with SEARCHLIGHT, Glenroy pointed out a police officer, whom he claimed shot at the boat, killing the Dominican.

Several attempts were made to reach Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, but SEARCHLIGHT was told he was either on a telephone or in a meeting. Messages were also left requesting that he return our call. Up to press time, our call had not been returned.

SEARCHLIGHT also contacted the Coast Guard for comment, but was told that such information would have to be given by the Commissioner.

Both men are currently on remand. Lawyers Ronald Marks and Grant Connell represent the accused.