Prison officer found

Senior Reporter

rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt

A prison officer was found dead at a firing range in Chaguaramas yesterday, having apparently taken his own life.

According to police reports, range instructors discovered Kerry Sherwood at the Mount Saint Catherine Road facility at 2 pm with a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. Sources confirmed that Sherwood was bleeding from his head and ears when he was found. He was immediately taken to the St James Medical Complex, where he later died from his injuries.

Contacted yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago Prison Officers Association president Gerard Gordon said the incident had sent shockwaves throughout the service.

“We are still trying to ascertain exactly what happened, but the police are actively investigating. This incident has brought more grief to the service, especially after we just buried an officer last week,” Gordon said.

He also extended condolences to Sherwood’s family on behalf of the association.

In a statement, the MH Tactical Response Group offered their condolences to Sherwood’s family.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of prison officer Kerry Sherwood and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones during this time,” attorney Vashisht Seepersad stated on behalf of MH Tactical Response Group group.

However, he denied reports which may have suggested something sinister had occurred at the facility, “MH Tactical Response Group wishes to correct certain statements that have been reported in the print and electronic media regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred today (Friday). Earlier today, September 13th, 2024, Prison Officer, Kerry Sherwood, unfortunately committed suicide by the use of a firearm while on the premises of MH Tactical Response Range.

MH Tactical Response Group wishes to express its condolences to the family of Prison Officer Kerry Sherwood during this very difficult time and asks the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time of grief.”

Emphasising their commitment to high standards at the facility, Seepersad said, “MH Tactical Response Group has always maintained safety and security protocol adherence. It remains committed to providing its members with a safe secure and professional environment in which they can continue to enjoy all of the facilities our range provides to its members.”

Police investigators were processing the scene up to press time.

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