Police in Ghana’s capital have arrested a 53-year-old man for allegedly threatening the life of an investigator and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, the Accra Regional Police Command said Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Seth Welbeck, was arrested on 3 February following proceedings in a forgery case in which he had been issued a criminal summons to appear before the Accra Circuit Court.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after the court session while Welbeck was being escorted to the court cells. He reportedly asked the investigator for permission to secure his vehicle. During the process, police said, the suspect suddenly retrieved a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE pistol loaded with nine rounds of 9mm ammunition from the vehicle.
Welbeck allegedly pointed the weapon at the investigator and issued a threat. The officer, with assistance from other court officials and witnesses present, swiftly disarmed the suspect before anyone was injured, police said.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations and is expected to be arraigned before court to face charges relating to the threat of death and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, head of public affairs for the Accra Region, police cautioned the public against acts of violence, threats and the possession of firearms without lawful authority.
The command urged citizens to comply fully with court processes and police procedures, warning that any attempt to obstruct justice or intimidate public officers would be dealt with firmly under the law.