Family of Alleged Robber Claims Police Mistreatment
One of the robbers who was injured during the shootout with police at the northern border is twenty-four year old Randolph Crawford. He was shot on both legs and according to his uncle, Mansfield Philips, Crawford has not received medical treatment. Philips says that while his nephew has been taken to a hospital, the bullets lodged in his legs have not been removed.
Mansfield Philips, Uncle of Alleged Robber
“He is not a robber because he is not friends with those guys. He was not even with them. He was dodging his own business but we will deal with on another level. It has been more than thirty hours that he has been shot and the bullets are still on his…two on his left knee-three on this right leg. He still has not gotten no medical attention and he is still sitting in the police station.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Was he taken to a hospital?”
Mansfield Philips
On the Phone: Mansfield Philips
“Yes he was taken to Corozal Town Hospital. He was transferred to Orange Walk hospital and he was transferred back to Corozal Police station where he said they would take him to the hospital from this morning and up to now he is still sitting at the Corozal Town police station.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Has he received medical treatment?”
Mansfield Philips
“No the bullets are still lodged inside his legs.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Have you spoken to the OC in Corozal to try and understand why is it he is at the police station and not at the hospital?”
Mansfield Philips
“He does not want to speak to anyone.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Have you spoken to your nephew.”
Mansfield Philips
“I had earlier.”
Hipolito Novelo
“What is he saying in terms of the injuries and…?”
Mansfield Philips
“Like he said, his feet are very heavy. He is not able to move them and of course he is not able to move then- two bullets in the left knee and three to the left leg. I am very frustrated and angry. They do not even want him to receive water or food. They say they got instructions from the Commissioner. I don’t know why not even water should be given to then, not even from his mother. He could get blood poison because the bullets are still in him. Two, if they take long what will be the next step. If it get worse will they amputate both legs? I am very frustrated like I said. Very much.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Have you attempted to reach Commissioner of Police, Mr. Williams?”
Mansfield Philips
“No I haven’t as yet.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Is it something that you would do.”
Mansfield Philips
“I will personally try to go and see him on Wednesday at his clinic.”
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams responded to the complaint by Whatsapp. He explains that he does not dictate whether or not a prisoner in custody should receive water and or food. He said it would be insane to do so.
