Anna-Lisa Paul
Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
The KFC outlet in St James was closed for an hour and a half yesterday, after a police officer’s gun accidentally discharged, injuring a female customer.
The injured woman, a 52-year-old geriatric nurse of Diego Martin, was ordering a meal at the counter when the police constable entered and stood off to the side. As the officer waited to be served, however, a single gunshot was heard. The woman was shot in her left ankle.
An eyewitness said, “It appeared the gun’s safety was off.”
The incident forced the temporary closure of the outlet as the officer’s partner, who was seated in a vehicle outside, drove the injured woman to the nearby St James Infirmary. The constable reportedly picked up the spent shell casing and said he would walk to the St James Police Station, located one block up from the KFC outlet, to make a report.
Guardian Media was told the constable is well known to workers, as he regularly patronises the establishment.
The outlet reopened at 4.30 pm and continued operating until its regularly scheduled closing time of midnight.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin said an investigation had been launched into the incident.
“If it was as a result of negligence, disciplinary action would be taken. If accidental, then a stern warning with the necessary advisory and re-training will be given to the officer,” he said.
“Better care should be taken by officers with firearms in public places. The Police Service will do our part to give support to the victim and even extend our victim and witness support services to give any psychosocial assistance if needed.”