St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Shots rang out at the JNF Hospital on Monday night, when two gunmen chased a Basseterre teen through the Accident and Emergency area, firing several shots at him and wounding him about his body.
Police have confirmed that the gunmen, one masked, entered the waiting room of the general Accident and Emergency at about 7:45 p.m., and shot at 19-year old Kaheel Herbert of Lower Thibou Avenue.
WINN FM understands that Herbert ran into the treatment area and was pursued by the gunmen, who continued to fire at him as he ran. The assailants fled on foot, reportedly making their escape through the ambulance bay.
Herbert was undergoing surgery overnight. His condition was unknown, though Police Commissioner CG Walwyn confirmed to WINN FM after 1:00 a.m. that he was alive.
No one else was physically injured during the incident, but Assistant Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley told WINN FM that several persons, including staff were traumatized and were treated for shock.
Top health officials, have for years expressed concern about safety and security at the JNF, and some security measures have been put in place.
According to Commissioner Walwyn, a police officer is stationed at the hospital at night and orderlies have been trained as island constables. In addition, security rooms have been created for gunshot victims and the number of security cameras is being increased, as requested by Health Minister Marcella Liburd last month.
However, the police officer on duty at the hospital on Monday night when the incident occurred in A and E, was reportedly elsewhere on the premises making rounds.
A health official who spoke to WINN FM early Tuesday morning said that the security measures were not adequate. They expressed concern in particular about the physical and psychological safety of staff. The official said they hoped that the incident would lead to further dialogue about the security concerns at the largely open facility.
Meantime, Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact the Violent Crime Unit at 662-9336, the nearest Police Station or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS). Callers to Crime Stoppers do not have to provide any personal information, and they may be eligible for a reward.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Commissioner Walwyn made a personal appeal for assistance from the public.
“We as a community must be willing to report what we see, we cannot afford to keep quiet. We must be safe wherever we go,” he said, urging persons with information to call Crime Stoppers.
“Information [is] needed to get these two guys off the streets. They are a danger to society. Do not protect them,” the Commissioner admonished.
***UPDATE***
Kaheel Herbert succumbed to his injuries during the day on Tuesday.
In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the Police Force extended condolences to the Herbert family, and reiterated the Commissioner’s call for the public’s assistance with identifying and finding the perpetrators.
Source: http://www.winnfm.com/ West Indies News Network – WINN FM 98.9
