Mock police rescued

Two men who impersonated police officers after a session of karaoke and drinking had to rely on real officers of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) to save them from residents in the Deacons, St Michael area.

On March 21, 2019 – “mock police” Jamal Omar Beckles, a 35-year-old courier of Massiah Street, St John and Kenroy Henderson Brathwaite, a 39-year-old driver of Apartment 7B Sargeant Road, Ellerton, St George were travelling along Bird’s River, St Michael in a 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara similar to that of an unmarked RBPF vehicle when they came across Devere Savoury riding a bicycle accompanied by his girlfriend.

Jamal Omar Beckles and Kenroy Henderson Brathwaite

The two men had moments before left a karaoke session where police constable Kenmore Phillips said they had consumed alcoholic beverages.

Beckles who is the owner of the vehicle began flickering his headlights on and off causing Savoury to stop. He then sped up to Savoury and shouted “Police, police don’t f****** move”. Savoury in turn dropped his bicycle and fled through a nearby path. Beckles and Brathwaite took up the bicycle and placed it the back of the vehicle.

According to prosecutor Phillips the men did not stop there but continued “patrolling” the Deacons area that same day. However, residents soon realised they were not members of the force, when they tried to confiscate another bicycle, and the residents challenged them, asking to see their certificates of appointment which the duo were unable to produce.

The situation began to deteriorate and in an apparent twist of circumstances Beckles called the “real” police to bail them out, telling officers that he and Brathwaite had been beaten and robbed by residents.

Lawmen responded to the call while Brathwaite according to the prosecutor ran all the way to the Black Rock Police Station to seek “refuge”.

Savoury also turned up at the station asking for his property. He was shown the bicycle, which he identified.

The two men were charged with pretending to be members of the RBPF when they told Devere Savoury “Police, Police don’t f****** move and then confiscating his bicycle,” an act which they were not entitled to do by law and to stealing Savoury’s $400 bicycle on the same day.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today and pleaded guilty to the two joint charges.

A presentencing report was ordered on them after Beckles’ attorney Arthur Holder made the submission.

The duo who are now on $1,000 bail each will make their next appearance in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on June 3, 2019.