TCI: Police Related Shooting During Illegal Fishing Operation

#Providenciales, November 26, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – During the morning of Saturday 24th November 2018 the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, supported by colleagues from DECR undertook an operation in response to potential illegal fishing near to Bush Cay, within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Two vessels were intercepted and eight persons were arrested in connection with illegal fishing.

During the arrest of the eight persons, one shot was fired by a Police Officer from on board a RT&CIPF boat and one of the arrested persons suffered a gunshot injury to the upper arm.  This person is now being treated in hospital with the seven other arrested persons remaining in police custody.

Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said ‘The operation in response to a report of illegal fishing was a joint operation between the RT&CIPF and colleagues from the DECR.  A total of eight persons have been arrested for illegal fishing.  This investigation remains ongoing and no one has been charged at this point.  During the operation, a single shot was fired by a Police Officers leading to injuries being caused to one of the persons subsequently arrested.  As a matter of course, a separate enquiry will examine the circumstances of the discharge of the firearm by the Police.’

Press Release: TCI Police