In a shocking turn of events, a police officer identified as No 42035 PC Onen Patrick has been arrested and detained by the territorial police in Kole District. The officer, who was attached to Agege Police Post, is being held for allegedly shooting and fatally injuring a civilian named Ogwal James.
According to the reports by North Kyoga Police mouth piece, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the incident occurred on July 29, 2023, at approximately 11:30 hours, in Agege trading center.
It is reported that a group of people were engaged in gambling when a dispute arose between Ongu Omara and Ojok Opio over an alleged theft of 2000=. The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, drawing the attention of bystanders.
Failing to calm the situation, local resident Omuge Isaac sought assistance from the nearby Agege police post. Officer Onen Patrick responded to the call alone and attempted to apprehend Ojok Opio. However, the intervention did not sit well with the intoxicated crowd, who began verbally abusing the officer and hurling stones at him.
In an attempt to disperse the angry mob and protect himself, Onen Patrick discharged his firearm into the air. Tragically, one of the bullets struck Ogwal James in the stomach.
The injured victim was immediately rushed to an unidentified clinic in Lira-City where he was later pronounced dead. His body has since been transferred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Following the incident, the Central Police Station (CPS) in Kole has registered a case of murder by shooting where the crime scene was thoroughly examined by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the station, detectives, and Scene-of-Crime Officers (SOCO). Several cartridges were recovered as exhibits, and the firearm allegedly used by Officer Onen Patrick has been seized and presented as evidence. Statements have also been recorded from relevant witnesses.
SP Okema regret this calling upon respect among the Police officers and the community. “This is a very unfortunate incident, we would like to send our condolences to the bereaved family, but also caution very strongly members of the public to always respect police officers while on official duties.” SP Okema in a statement.
