The Tribune

TWO police officers have been violently attacked in separate incidents – one by a female student at a high school in Freeport.

Few details have emerged about this incident, but photos and a video of the brawl, between a female officer and at least one student at the Jack Hayward High School, circulated on social media over the weekend.

The officer can be seen struggling with an adversary dressed in school uniform while surrounded by dozens of shouting, cheering and gesticulating students. No official response has been issued by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the video disappeared from YouTube yesterday afternoon.

But before it was removed, a political website allied to the governing PLP commented: “This is the kind of wild behaviour that happens all too often in our schools. Here we see a confrontation with a police officer and a student.

“It appears that the police do not have non-lethal mechanisms to deal with unruly students. It gives the impression of a country that is simply out of control. It cannot even control its children.”

The Tribune could not confirm whether any arrests were made in connection with the scuffle, or if anyone was hurt.

In the second incident, a 31-year-old police officer had to be flown to Nassau Thursday for medical treatment after he was attacked by a group of men at a bar in Bimini.

The incident happened around midnight.

According to Sergeant Miller, attached to the Alice Town Police Station, Bimini, the detective was with a group of men leaving the bar when he was involved in an argument.

“Information is that around 12pm the officer was leaving the Beach Club, where there was a Karaoke celebration and was getting into a van to go to the ferry, when he was hit in his head with a bottle,” he said.

“The bottle came from somewhere in the crowd. We received some reports that there may have been an altercation, some pushing and shoving, between a Defence Force Officer and a man in the crowd which may have led to the altercation. As a result of the bottle being thrown, the officer received very serious injuries to his head and was taken to the local clinic where he was treated. However, because of the extent of his injuries he was flown into New Providence today to receive further treatment.”

The condition of the officer is unknown at this time.

However, Sgt Miller said police have five men in custody, between the ages of 24 and 35, in connection with the matter.

Investigations are continuing.