A report is being awaited in Anguilla on the circumstances surrounding the death of Michael Gumbs of The Quarter, who was shot by a police officer on March 30. It is to be submitted by Chief Inspector Anthony Noble and Inspector Ernest Gumbs of the Royal British Virgin Islands Police Force.

The house at which the shooting took place

The Anguilla Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, said they were brought in to undertake an independent investigation in keeping with the spirit of transparency, although there were competent local police officers with a high degree of professionalism.

Gumbs was shot and fatally wounded during a police operation. Three officers visited him at his home to execute a search warrant for an illegal weapon. According to a police statement, he pointed a firearm at them in a threatening manner and refused to drop it when ordered to do so. One of the officers shot him and he died after been taken to the hospital.

The late Michael Gumbs

Commissioner Benjamin, who extended condolences to the deceased’s family, especially his grandmother, said the incident highlighted the dangers to which the police were exposed. He stated however that “the unfortunate incident did not diminish our commitment and perseverance to remove illegal firearms from our streets. The Task Force will continue to be vigilant in its quest although the job is a difficult and dangerous one.”

Gumbs’ grandmother, Yvonne Carty, who “had him from days old” and who was shocked by the incident she witnessed outside her doorway, received treatment at the hospital. She said she knew he had a small firearm and had reported it to the police, but was worried that the matter ended in that manner.

Meanwhile, on March 29, the day before that incident, an 18-year-old, C. G. of Rey Hill, was arrested for being in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

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