Senior Superintendent Lonsdale Withrite has confirmed that a formal investigation is being conducted into a shooting incident involving a detainee, Steve Vyfhius, at the Blairmont Police Lockup. Speaking with Guyana Standard, he said “Yes, an investigation began immediately, the file should be completed before the end of the week” he further confirmed that no police involved is under close arrest. The investigation follows a series of events in the West Coast Berbice area.
It all started on Friday, March 13, when three officers took Vyfhius into arrest following reports of property damage at No. 9 Village.
According to a formal statement released by his sister, Shabekie Vyphius, on behalf of the family, Steve admitted to breaking two car windscreens and damaging windows and blocks at the Freedom Life Church. The statement clarifies that these actions occurred during a “first major relapse” of Schizophrenia after Vyfhius discontinued his medication.
The family maintains that despite informing officers at the Fort Wellington Police Station that the situation was a “psychiatric matter” and not a “situation for the prison,” Vyfhius was transported to the Blairmont Police lockup and detained overnight. Speaking with Guyana Standard, Vyphius said “the police were informed he is schizophrenic, my mom went to the police and pleaded with them and told them that this is not a police matter, this is a case for the psychiatric ward all he needs is his medication.”
According to the released statement, the shooting occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Vyfhius reported a malfunctioning toilet and flooding within his cell which was “backed up with sewage”. When the cell door was opened, a physical confrontation ensued. Vyfhius admits he “pushed his way out” and “fought his way” from the officers’ hold in an attempt to exit the sewerage ridden cell, stating he had never been in a cell before and felt “tortured.”
The statement alleges that after Vyfhius ignored instructions to return to his cell, officers physically restrained and assaulted him. It further claims that an officer discharged a shotgun at “very short distance,” shattering Vyfhius’ foot below the knee. The account details further allegations of assault and threats made by officers while Vyfhius was bleeding on the ground.
Following the discharge of the firearm, Vyfhius was handcuffed and transported to the Bath Settlement Hospital, then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Medical professionals initially reported no pulse in the limb; however, an external fixation was later performed to save the leg. He was discharged on March 26.
According to the sister, Senior Superintendent Withrite and the Assistant Commander have both confirmed to the family that the matter is being investigated. The Police Complaints Authority has also been notified. While the police have not yet released a statement regarding the specific use of force, they have recently taken a formal statement from the victim’s brother today as part of the ongoing probe.
The Vyfhius family is currently seeking justice, arguing that the level of force used was unnecessary given the subject’s known mental health condition and the nature of the initial report.
