A press release issued here on Thursday, complained that, “Once again the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has raised concerns with publications in the local media. This is not an attempt to prevent Freedom of Speech or Free Press/Media. However, Media Houses must first try to establish the accuracy of information or accounts of incidents before publication.” 

The police explained that their release became necessary, as a result of a publication on the SKN VIBES website, dated Tuesday 13th November, 2012 and titled: “Civilian Charged For Defending Self Against Police Officer”. This account of the events as publish is far from what transpired, stated the police. 

Though not providing the full account, the police have pointed to critical areas of the incident, to outline what they said actually transpired. The incident in question involved a police officer and a man named Alfred Stevens.

“First, Mr. Alfred Stevens committed an offence in the presence of the officer, while the officer was engaging him concerning that offence. The officer had reason to search Mr. Stevens which resulted in the find of illegal drugs. As a result, he attacked the officer. The officer resisted the attack and was able to arrest Mr. Stevens, having received assistance,” continued the release. MiyVue.com has since learnt that it was a Defense Force reserve that came to the assistance of the police officer.

Stevens was eventually taken into police custody and subsequently charged for four offences: (1) Battery (2) Obstruction Under the Drug Act (3) Indecent Language (4) Resisting Arrest.

The police have also indicated that there could not have been any mistake, on the part of the suspect, as to who the officer was, though not in uniform, because Mr. Stevens knew the officer since childhood days, and the officer identified himself to him. 

Sources have indicated that further investigations into the matter are currently ongoing.