The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is seeking the help of outside sources to assist in their latest attempted robbery investigation that resulted in one of the would be robbers, shot and killed.
That young man has now been identified as Jeff Walkin.
Following the death of Mr. Jeff Walkin, Commissioner of Police Mr. James Smith of the RTCIPF has called the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Cayman Police Service to conduct an independent investigation. The independent investigators are expected to arrive in Provo this week.
“It is in the interests of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and everyone involved in an incident where firearms have been discharged by police officers, that subsequent procedures should be open, transparent and the integrity of all actions is maintained,” said a press statement this afternoon from Public Relations Officer, Audley Astwood.
“The manner in which the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police responds to such incidents, and the professional standards applied, are of great interest to the Public, providing further reason to investigate such matters thoroughly and sensitively,” Astwood added.
It was about 12:58AM on Saturday 6th June that police were called to Granny Hill, following reports of two males being armed with firearms who tried to rob a male.
Police officers on patrol nearby responded and were confronted by two masked males who pointed firearms at the officers. As a result of that confrontation, one of the masked males, who has now been identified as Jeff Walkin, sustained a gunshot injury.
Astwood said emergency services were contacted and efforts were made by Medics to administer medical treatment while being transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, however Jeff Walkin was pronounced dead some time later at Cheshire Medical Centre.
RTC News understands Walkin was a 19 year old of Haitian/TI parentage.
The other masked male escaped on foot.
Police are appealing for the public’s assistance into this incident and are urging anyone who has any information that could assist them in their investigation, to please come forward.
Astwood says reporting suspicious activities might help the Police identify a suspect or a crime trend.
For activities in progress, he suggests you call 911. Otherwise, call the Police at 941-3327 or use the untraceable, anonymous Crime Stoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. No names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force.
