Boy, 17, burned after jersey caught afire while playing with lighter at Vigilance Police Station
A 17-year-old fisherman on Sunday received burn injuries after the lighter he was playing with caught his jersey and ignited flames while in the Vigilance Police Station lockups.
The boy has been identified as Jaheim Peters, also known as "Coolie-Boy" of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The incident occurred at about 10:10h.
MTV News Update understands that Peters was in custody for alleged robbery underarm and was alone at the time.
"Screams were heard coming from the lockups, and when a rank made checks, he observed the jersey that Peters was wearing was on fire," a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said.
The Emergency Medical Technicians from the Melanie Fire Station were summoned, and Peters was treated.
He was questioned and related to the police that he was given a lighter by another person who was in custody on the bench. He added that while playing with the lighter, his jersey caught afire.
Peters was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is being treated for burn injuries.
"Statements were taken from persons who were at the station and witnessed when the incident occurred," the statement added.
Two ranks at the station were placed under close arrest. The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is also investigating the matter.
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