Agriculture Minister’s Son Charged After Alleged Placencia Police Incident

Stoney Ferguson, the son of Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson, was charged yesterday with aggravated assault and using insulting words against police officers following an incident on the Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District.  Up to news time this afternoon, Ferguson’s anticipated court appearance was still pending. The incident reportedly began at around five-fifteen on Saturday evening at a vehicle checkpoint near Mile 22 on the Placencia Main Road. Police say officers attempted to stop a white cargo truck because it was allegedly being driven without a licence plate and the driver was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt.  According to the police account, the driver initially pulled away but was later located on Crimson Two Drive. Officers informed him of the alleged traffic violations and cautioned him, but police claim he became verbally abusive, resisted arrest and pushed an officer.  Ferguson was reportedly subdued and taken to the police station, where he was later released. Police allege that shortly after his release, he picked up a large stone and threw it toward an officer. The stone reportedly missed the officer but significantly damaged the police mobile.  He allegedly attempted to throw another stone but was restrained.  The value of the damage to the police vehicle has not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether any additional charge relating to the damaged vehicle is being contemplated.