Nineteen-year-old Orandy Welcome Jr., of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, was injured after being struck by a police vehicle while mistakenly identified as a robbery suspect.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as Orandy Jr. was turning onto Pitt Street after dropping off a friend.
He told reporters that he was knocked off his motorcycle and, upon getting up, was handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle, with an officer pointing a gun at him.
Orandy later sought medical treatment for a fractured leg at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Police reportedly stated they were searching for two robbery suspects in the area.
“I feel bad because they put handcuffs on me and made me feel like I was some bandit or something,” he said.
His motorcycle sustained damage to the brakes, engine, and other parts. Orandy expressed his hope that it could be repaired soon.
Accompanied by his father, Orandy Welcome Sr., he visited the Central Police Station to report the incident. Due to his injuries, Orandy Jr. is unable to work.
His father expressed anger over the police’s wrongful detention and injury of his son for a crime he did not commit.
“He is not a murderer or thief; what the police did is totally wrong,” he said.
