Mentally challenged man fatally shot by cops in Saturday night standoff, highlighting the need for special training for police
A man who reportedly had mental issues was fatally shot by the Police early Saturday morning, April 9, highlighting the need for special training for lawmen to deal with such incidents.
Allegations are that 40- year -old Andrew Noyce, of an unknown address, threatened and attacked the Police and was shot multiple times. The incident occurred near the Public Market shortly after midnight on Friday.
REAL News learned that a report had been made by a Vegetable Market vendor, who alleged that Noyce had stolen something from her. When the Police arrived on the scene to investigate the matter, they reportedly found the man armed and wielding two knives.
The officers reportedly telephoned for back-up from the Special Services Unit (SSU).
In a press statement on the incident, the Police say these officers made numerous attempts to persuade Noyce to surrender; however, he continued advancing towards them.
The man was then shot and subsequently transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries – reportedly four gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by a medical doctor at around 2:59 a.m. on Saturday morning.
According to the Police, both knives were recovered from the scene and the Serious Crimes Unit is continuing investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, members of the public are asking if the mentally challenged man could not have been disabled – rather than killed – with one resident asking: “They couldn’t just shoot him in the foot, instead?”
Noyce, who was often seen walking along the Anchorage Road and in the Yorks and Villa communities, was the victim of a violent attack several years ago. Reportedly, a group of men had beaten him severely about the head, resulting in him being afflicted with mental issues.
While the Police might have made every effort to quell the situation, a source tells REAL News, dealing with mentally challenged individuals requires special skills.
The source claims that a recommendation had been made to the Police brass, by the Government’s psychiatrist, to allow at least one officer to receive specialized training in this field.
However, the suggestion, which was supported by former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh, reportedly was not accepted. But recent incidents involving mentally challenged persons now show that such specialized training is vital and necessary, the source concludes.