A man believed to be of unsound mind is dead following a police-involved shooting Monday evening in Choiseul, after an alleged violent altercation with an officer.
According to preliminary reports, the deceased reportedly attacked the off-duty officer, who was in the company of his son at the time, with a cutlass. The officer is said to have sustained wounds during the assault. In defending himself and his child, the officer drew his service weapon and discharged several rounds, striking the man multiple times about the body.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about mental health and policing. In a statement to its membership, the Police Welfare Association described the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address mental illness in communities.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that mental illness is not a distant issue; it is present, urgent, and often invisible until it erupts in crisis,” the Association said. “Mental health is a real and pressing concern, and it is our collective responsibility, as officers, as friends, as family, to support those who are struggling before it is too late. Let us be vigilant not only in our duty but in our compassion. Let us speak up, check in, and intervene early. Together we can help arrest this disease before it claims more lives.”
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has confirmed the fatal incident and noted that the matter remains under investigation.
