By: Nyima Sillah
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) said on Wednesday thatpolice officers were involved in a shooting incident while responding to a violent confrontation at Jah Oil filling station at Bond Road in Banjul.
In a statement issued by the GPF yesterday, the incident arose from a dispute between the staff of the filling station and a group of individuals.
“Upon arriving [at the scene], police officers attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, they were overpowered by the individuals involved. As tensions escalated, the officers called for reinforcement,” read the statement.
The police reported that despite the presence of reinforcement, the “aggressors” continued to resist and advanced towards the officers.
“To restore order, the police issued multiple warnings and fired warning shots. However, the individuals remained defiant and launched an attack on the officers. In response and in self-defense, the police shot one of the aggressors in the leg, leading to his immediate apprehension, while two others were arrested. The remaining individuals fled the scene,” said the police.
The police further reported that 30-year-old Momodou Njie from Njoro Tukulor in Central River Region has sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and has been receiving treatment at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul while a25-year-old Ousman Jobe from Touba and 20-year-old Ousainou Njie from Dakar have been held in custody.
The police disclosed that the suspects have been slammed with assault charges.
Police said efforts are on-going to locate the remaining individuals involved in the incident.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to assist law enforcement in maintaining safety and security,” said the GPF.