Mark Cromwell, known as ‘Diamond’ or ‘Demon’, a 41-year-old businessman from Lot 40 Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, was today charged as the second suspect involved in the assault of a police officer during a routine traffic stop on May 5.
The charges were read to him at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison.
The charges are as follows: Assault With Intent to Prevent Lawful Apprehension – Contrary to Section 57 (b) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01; Abusive Language – Contrary to Section 141(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Chapter 8:02; and Disorderly Behaviour, Contrary to Section 136(b) of the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Chapter 8:02.
Cromwell’s arraignment comes on the heels of nine charges levelled against his alleged accomplice, Kessee Edwards, a 30-year-old construction worker from Friendship, East Coast Demerara.
Edwards appeared before Magistrate Liverpool at Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today, where he was charged with the following: dangerous driving, uncertified motor vehicle, failure to comply with police directions, prohibition of tinted glass, failure to wear a seatbelt, assault with intent to prevent lawful apprehension, disorderly behaviour, abusive language and leaving a motor vehicle in a dangerous position.
According to reports, Police Constable Harlequin and another officer stopped a heavily tinted motor vehicle with license plate PAD 3136, driven by Kessee Edwards, during their routine traffic enforcement duties at around 4:45 p.m.
Constable Harlequin approached Edwards to address the violation of tinted windows and requested him to accompany them to the Sparendaam Police Station for further inspection.
However, Edwards allegedly fled the scene, tragically running over Constable Harlequin’s right foot in the process. Undeterred, Constable Harlequin immediately initiated pursuit, trailing Edwards until eventually intercepting him near the Turkeyen access road, close to MovieTowne.
Upon exiting his vehicle, Kessee Edwards reportedly approached Constable Harlequin and began hurling abusive language. Faced with escalating tensions, Constable Harlequin swiftly called for emergency assistance. A scuffle ensued, during which Edwards was joined by another individual, later identified as Mark Cromwell.
During the altercation, Constable Harlequin allegedly suffered injuries, including a bite to his left ear and multiple punches to his body.
