As the Guyana Police Force grapples with the loss of one of its own, Sergeant Alex Vaughn, who tragically lost his life during a search operation on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, preliminary information suggests that Vaughn was fatally wounded by alleged friendly fire from a fellow officer.
The incident occurred during a search operation at Karrau Village, where authorities were scouring for prison escapee Akeem Wong. Sergeant Vaughn, who was leading the operation to track down Wong, succumbed to gunshot wounds amidst the operation’s intensity. Reports indicate that the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with initial investigations pointing towards the possibility of unintentional discharge of firearms by a fellow officer, a term commonly referred to as friendly fire.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, has taken swift action in response to this tragic event, ordering a comprehensive probe conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The investigation is currently underway and is being closely supervised by the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority.
Sergeant Vaughn, who held the post at the Saxacalli Police Outpost in the Saxacalli Mission, Essequibo River, Region 7, was a dedicated officer committed to upholding law and order in his community. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves throughout the force and the nation at large.
The search operation for Akeem Wong stemmed from his alleged involvement in a heinous crime. Wong stands accused of brutally murdering 49-year-old David Gomes and 75-year-old Elizabeth Nellie Gomes at their home in Saxacalli. The incident, which occurred last Friday, saw Wong wielding a cutlass to fatally attack both victims. Tragically, the gruesome act unfolded in the presence of Gomes’ 6-year-old son, who hid under a bed throughout the ordeal.
Following the murders, Wong attempted to tamper with the crime scene before fleeing into nearby bushes upon hearing approaching boats. Fortunately, the young boy, traumatised but unharmed, managed to alert authorities by sending a distress message from his father’s cellphone.
Subsequent investigations into the double homicide revealed that the fugitive had been spotted in the area and is believed to be responsible for the brutal killings. Furthermore, it was discovered that Wong sustained injuries during the violent encounter.
In the wake of Sergeant Vaughn’s tragic death, top officials of the Guyana Police Force, including Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Mr. Calvin Brutus, Commander Regional Police Division #3 Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, Welfare Officer Superintendent Allison Moore, and Second-In-Command (Region #3) Woman Superintendent Shellon Daniels, along with Pastor Leroy Levans and other officers and ranks, convened to offer support and condolences to the grieving family members and relatives of the late Sergeant Alex Vaughn. This morning’s meeting aimed to extend comfort and solidarity to those affected by this devastating loss.
