June 23, 2006 – A police officer involved in the fatal shooting of an unidentified man has been put on administrative leave with pay, pending the results of an Internal Affairs investigation.
The victim – who was shot and killed around 10 p.m. Thursday in Hospital Ground – was the subject of a sting operation designed to curb a series of recent robberies occurring on St. Thomas (See "Man Killed During 'Sting' Operation).
According to a release sent Friday by Police, the victim contacted the officer Thursday to arrange the sale of various stolen goods. "The officer reported that the suspect called him repeatedly during the day to confirm the time and location of the meet," the release said.
The release said the two arranged to meet at Hospital Ground, in the vicinity of the Winston Raymo basketball court.
A preliminary police investigation has determined that the victim first approached the officer's vehicle and leaned into the car. "The suspect then threatened the officer at gunpoint and demanded the money that was to be exchanged during the transaction," the release said. "Reports indicate that, at that time, the officer fired a single shot which struck the suspect."
Once the shot was fired, other officers at the scene instructed the central Police dispatcher to call for emergency medical services. "Emergency units responding to the scene were unsuccessful in reviving the suspect," the release said.
The officer involved in the shooting was taken to the Schneider Regional Medical Center for evaluation and was subsequently released.
The release said that forensics units investigating the incident recovered a "small firearm" at the scene.
A total of seven officers participated in the sting operation, including members of the Special Operations Bureau.
The department's Internal Affairs Bureau is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police still have not released the name of the officer involved.
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