Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda Police Service Monday reiterated call for the general public to have confidence in its ability to maintain law and order after a police corporal had been slapped with several charges arising from an attempted armed robbery at a casino here last week.
Corporal Alex Thomas was released from hospital over the weekend and charged with a number of offences including gun possession.
Police information officer, Corporal Frankie Thomas, said that the 38-year-old officer had also been charged with attempted robbery, being in possession of a firearm to endanger life as well as several counts with intent to rob.
Thomas did not give a date when Thomas would make a court appearance.
Thomas, a 19 year-old veteran, is accused of attempting to rob the Paradise Casino on July 22. The officer was shot several times during the incident.
Police Commissioner Vere Browne last week urged the public to continue to show support for the police.
“We are asking the nation to continue to bond with us so we can strengthen the bond we have established, and the trust. We would not like (the society) to come to a sweeping decision and assess the constabulary on one action of indiscretion or probably criminality on the part of a member of the force,” he said then.
The police public relations officer said that despite the charges being laid against the policeman, the public should continue to show confidence in the law enforcement.
“I think if you become part of this organization you could consider yourself part of a noble organization. The majority of the Royal police Force of Antigua and Barbuda are still upstanding, upright dedicated hard working members.
“Yes it is true from time to time we encounter that dismal feeling when one or two of our officers find themselves on the opposite side of the fence,” he added.
