Armed suspect fires at officers in Castries, Glock recovered in RSLPF operation
A joint GNFU and Central Intelligence Unit operation on Chaussee Road on May 12 ended with a Glock 27 seized after a suspect opened fire at officers. A second operation led to the arrest of Shaquan Hippolyte in Anse La Raye.
RSLPF seizes firearm after suspect fires at officers on Chaussee Road
A joint police operation in Castries ended with a Glock 27 pistol recovered after an armed suspect fired multiple rounds at duty officers, thevoiceslu.com reports. The May 12 operation, involving the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU) and the Central Intelligence Unit, targeted criminal elements in the Central Division.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Luke Defreitas described the confrontation on Chaussee Road in direct terms. "The suspect discharged multiple live rounds directly at duty officers, placing their lives in immediate danger," he said. "Officers responded with discipline and lawful restraint, narrowly avoiding serious injury or loss of life."
The Glock 27 recovered during the operation has been secured as evidence. ACP Defreitas linked the incident to a broader pattern of armed criminality on the island: "This incident comes amid a marked upsurge in gun violence, where criminal networks continue to traffic and use firearms with reckless disregard for public safety."
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) issued a public warning directed at those involved in the Chaussee Road confrontation. "Those involved in this incident are urged to surrender themselves to police custody immediately. Law enforcement will persist relentlessly in dismantling firearm networks and bringing offenders to justice," the force stated, adding a caution that the incident should not be treated as a precedent by other criminal elements.
ACP Defreitas also addressed why officers did not pursue a more aggressive response, noting that restraint was exercised "in the interest of and the safety of the wider public." He commended the "courage and professionalism displayed by the officers," saying their actions prevented a more serious outcome.
Second operation results in arrest in Anse La Raye
On the same day, officers from the GNFU and the Central Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at the residence of Shaquan Hippolyte, alias "Boyo," in Anse La Raye. Hippolyte was wanted on two warrants of arrest dated July 27, 2025, for Using a Firearm with Intent and Aiding and Abetting Robbery — offences committed in Soufriere. He was apprehended and remains in lawful custody pending further investigations and formal charges.
RSLPF launches Strategic Plan 2026–2030
In a separate media briefing, RSLPF officials announced the rollout of a new Strategic Plan covering 2026 to 2030. The initiative is designed to modernise police operations, strengthen public trust, and improve responses to security threats. Officials identified three key pillars: crime reduction, public trust enhancement, and institutional excellence.
ACP Dr. Mashama Sealy outlined the plan's priorities. "Key priorities will include increasing police visibility, community engagement, intelligence policing, and digital transformation," she stated, noting the plan will be implemented in phases and will require a "smarter, more coordinated response" to crime.
The plan also covers a review of legislative policies, procedures, software systems, and equipment, alongside the introduction of compliance measures and monitoring systems. It is framed as an integral part of Saint Lucia's broader national security objectives.
Officers across the island are also set to receive training in criminal investigations, anti-money laundering, human trafficking, sexual offences, human rights, and humanitarian law. Additional training areas include leadership, supervisory management, data collection and analysis, and station management.
Source: Google News LC — Crime