Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade has vehemently denied tabloid reports claiming wounded Superintendent Clayton Fernander was involved with criminals and that his police-issued weapon jammed the night that he was attacked.
Mr Greenslade said that reports of Mr Fernander reaching for a gun, the gun jamming and police officers being targeted were all nonsense.
“That is nonsense, absolute nonsense. It is intended to cause problems. It is nonsense. This is one lie I will not let go,” he emphasized.
Saying he is not prepared to speak for criminals, he would make an exception this time.
“There is a young man, whose name has been surfacing around, alias Smokey. He said I can say it so I will – Die Stubbs as well. They have done nothing in respect to this and I am not prepared to tell a lie.”
It is beyond comprehension why the Police Commissioner would trust the word of known criminals, who would, of course, say they had nothing to do with Mr Fernander’s shooting.
Well, if Die Stubbs said he didn’t do it… he didn’t do it. Okie-dokie.
These same criminals also deny ever having all the drugs they were caught with… red-handed. Â Thankfully, judges and juries are not so naive and were smart enough to convict the criminals despite their denials.
“Mr Fernander had nothing to do with them and they had nothing to do with him and I have no information to suggest that he or any police officer was targeted.”
Maybe the Commissioner just needs better information.
Mr Greenslade also took offense to comments that Mr Fernander reached for his gun prior to being shot, but his gun jammed.
“Police officers’ weapons do not jam. I will say it again – police officers weapons do not jam,” Greenslade said.
Yet, all guns can jam, even police officer’s guns.
Mr Greenslade also said Supt Fernander will find out on Thursday whether or not some of his fingers are to be amputated.
“I have spoken to him several times and I have I have gotten personal statements from him as to how he feels. He is strong, each day he is getting stronger.
“He is conscious of the fact that he has a long way to go. No amputations have taken place and we are hoping and praying that none will take place. Doctors here in New Providence did an extremely good job in sewing together those fingers and that palm and trying to keep it together with bandages.”
Supt Fernander was airlifted to Florida for treatment for gunshot wounds he suffered in what police are calling an attempted robbery last Wednesday.
He was shot multiple times in the chest and right arm just as he arrived at his home on St Vincent Road.
Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting.
