On Monday night, Police Corporal Ian Geban had the unpleasant task of having to arrest one of his own, Police Constable Ronald Sutherland. Sutherland was wanted for a domestic offence, and when Geban approached him on Water Lane at 9:40 pm, you might say the arresting officer got “triple-benked” by the Sutherland family – who are all law enforcement officers.
Geban reported that Constable Ronald, who had been drinking, cursed and threatened him; and when Geban still dutifully tried to arrest Sutherland by holding unto his arm, the constable punched him across the forehead. That’s when, Geban claims, Ronald’s sister Rachel – who is a special constable – grabbed Geban by the shirt and scratched his chest. She was then placed under arrest, but put up a fight and Geban was left with multiple scratches to his arm and two sprained fingers.
But not enough that the brother and sister duo had already done damage, the other brother Special Constable Ryan Sutherland who is attached to the Tourism Police Unit then allegedly pushed Corporal Geban and told him not to arrest his brother.
But the trio were arrested; and today in court Constable Ronald was charged for assaulting a police officer, indecent words, and resisting arrest. Sister Special Constable Rachel was charged for assaulting a police officer, harm, resisting arrest and damage to property, namely corporal Geban’s shirt, and Special Constable Ryan was charged for assaulting a police officer. They appeared in court number three, pleaded not guilty received bail and are to re-appear on September eighth.
And while that’s the criminal side, no word from the Police Press Office which did not report the affair or whether disciplinary charges will be brought.
Interestingly, the whole thing started with a complaint by the constable’s girlfriend, who called police about his drunk and disorderly conduct but according to our information has still not made a formal complaint.
