By S.Browne. Updated 3:51 p.m., Wedesday, June 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Attorney-at-law Carlos James has alleged that a Special Services Unit (SSU) officer shot a civilian seven to eight times at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital compound on March 29, 2026, during an incident now the subject of intended civil proceedings against the State.
Speaking at a live press conference this morning at the Star House Conference Centre, Murray’s Road, Kingstown, James identified the claimant as Louie Mercury of Redemption Sharpes, saying the incident occurred while he was at the hospital seeking medical attention.
“Our client arrived at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital compound seeking urgent medical attention,” James said in a notice read to the media. “While on the hospital premises, our client was approached… and subsequently an officer of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force… discharged multiple shots, shooting our client seven to eight times about his body.”
Mr Mercury, who appeared at the briefing in a wheelchair, appealed for medical assistance, stating: “I do need a couple of weeks of blood to do the surgery… it hurts me every 24 hours.”
James said Mr Mercury sustained severe injuries to his limbs, requires further surgical intervention, and has a bullet still lodged in his leg.
The intended legal action alleges unlawful and excessive use of force, negligence, and misfeasance in public office, with the State named as the intended defendant under vicarious liability provisions.
The notice also calls for preservation of evidence, including CCTV footage, police logs, duty rosters, firearm discharge records, and witness statements.
In a separate written appeal sent to One News SVG, a family member identified as Helen Mercury has requested urgent assistance for Mr Mercury, outlining what she describes as a critical medical and humanitarian situation.
The letter states that Mr Mercury sustained severe injuries, including a broken leg and arm, following an encounter with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. It further claims he has undergone multiple operations and now requires a blood transfusion for a critical surgery on his leg, warning that without it he faces an “imminent risk of amputation.”
The appeal also states that Mr Mercury has received no support since leaving hospital and alleges additional hardships, including the burglary of his home and loss of personal documents.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has not publicly responded to the allegations made in the press conference or contained in the written appeal.
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