Escaped burglary suspect Tasered and in police custody

Jeff Pandohie, the 44-year-old man who escaped from police custody on 21 January, has been arrested following the first use of Taser by the RCIPS.

Shortly after 2.30pm this afternoon officers from Bodden Town, the Uniform Support Group and the RCIPS K9 unit were involved in extensive searches for Pandohie. At this time the USG and K9 officers were on Bodden Town beach, near to Manse Road, when  they were confronted by the suspect  who emerged from a bush area armed with a large knife.

Pandohie refused to comply with officers’ instructions to put down his weapon. He then ran, still armed with the knife, towards unarmed officers. As a result, an officer from the USG, who was armed with both his conventional firearm and Taser, discharged the Taser at the suspect bringing him immediately to the ground.

Officers quickly subdued the suspect, disarmed him, removed the probes and administered first aid.

He has been arrested and is now in police custody.

The agreed post –incident investigative protocols for the use of Taser have now been implemented and a report on the incident is being compiled.

As stated in yesterday’s (30) news release (See below), an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pandohie’s escape is currently underway.

Previous release issued Jan 30 2013

Jeff Pandohie Powell, a 44-year-old-man from Bodden Town, is wanted by the police for burglary and escaping from police custody.

Known locally as Jeff Pandohie, he is suspected of being responsible for a burglary in the Savannah area on 11 January and was arrested in connection with that crime on 21 January. Following his arrest he escaped from police custody while being processed at Bodden Town police station. An enquiry has been launched by the RCIPS in relation to the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Despite concerted efforts by the police, who have carried out several operations in the area,  he has not yet been taken back into custody. He was last seen by a member of the public  in Cumber Avenue, Bodden Town, yesterday afternoon when it was reported that he was in possession of a knife.

He is described as being approximately 5ft 9in in height, dark complexion and of slim build. He is approximately 160lbs and has low cut hair.

Acting Chief Inspector Brad Ebanks is urging anyone who knows of Pandohie’s current whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact the police immediately by calling 911.

Photograph of the suspect is attached.