Ex-cop to be charged in Canouan credit union hold-up

Police officers stationed on the Grenadine island of Canouan were called into action on Wednesday afternoon, after a masked man entered and robbed the Canouan branch of the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) at Bachelor’s Road.

Reports are that around 1:45 p.m., the man, dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a black, grey and white striped T-shirt, entered the KCCU office and demanded money from the lone female employee.

A source on the island said that the masked man, holding what looked like a firearm, grabbed the cash pan, at which time a scuffle took place between him and the KCCU employee.{{more}}

SEARCHLIGHT obtained screen shots of closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of part of the incident, which shows the robber pointing something at a woman sitting behind a desk, while another photo shows the woman and the man struggling and the mask pulled from the robber’s face.

The source said that someone on the outside of the building saw what was going on and raised the alarm, at which time the robber fled the scene with EC$1,140.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Collin John said that the robber was carrying what appeared to be a firearm, but the female employee still struggled with him and was able to get the bandana off his face. He revealed that when the robber fled, persons informed the police the direction in which he ran.

Police pursued the man and came up on the alleged robber hiding in some bushes in an area known as Friendship.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the alleged robber was asked to surrender, but did not and appeared to be reaching into his pocket, at which time he was shot in the leg by an officer.

Police have detained ex-police officer Kimolo Quashie in relation to the incident. Quashie is currently housed at the Male Surgical Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) with a gunshot wound to his left leg. Deputy Commissioner John said that more than likely he will be charged in relation to the incident.

The detained man was dismissed from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) a few years ago in relation to a firearm that could not be accounted for.

Unconfirmed reports are that Quashie was employed as a security guard on Canouan.

Manager of KCCU Clement Lynch could not be reached for a comment. (LC)