KANWEAKEN, River Gee County — A Liberia National Police (LNP) officer assigned to the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Sergeant Marcus Beweh, has been taken into police custody following a shooting incident that injured two civilians in Kanweaken, Gbeapo District, River Gee County.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, January 7, while Sergeant Beweh was traveling to Maryland County and made a brief stop in Kanweaken. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the driver of the vehicle accompanying the officer parked in an area officially designated by county police as a motorcycle-only parking zone.
Local motorcyclists allegedly approached the officer to explain the restriction, but Sergeant Beweh reportedly insisted that the vehicle remain parked in the prohibited area. This disagreement escalated into a heated confrontation. Witnesses further indicated that the situation worsened after the officer briefly left the scene for a nearby entertainment center and later returned in a more confrontational and aggressive manner.
Upon his return, Sergeant Beweh allegedly renewed his demand to park in the restricted zone, while the motorcyclists stood by their explanation that such action would violate police directives. During the exchange, the officer is accused of slapping one of the motorcyclists, an action that reportedly triggered public disorder.
In an attempt to assert authority, Sergeant Beweh allegedly fired several shots from his service weapon—initially into the air and subsequently toward the ground. One of the bullets reportedly struck Sam Sannoh in the thigh as he attempted to de-escalate the situation. Another individual, Sampson Weah, was also caught up in the incident and sustained injuries.
Both victims were rushed to the Fish Town Referral Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Representative Alexander Pour of Electoral District #1 has reportedly assumed responsibility for their medical expenses after being informed of the incident by his district coordinator, Robert S. K. Weah, who also facilitated their evacuation to the hospital by ambulance.
Confirming the incident, Assistant Commander of Police (ACP) Theophilus Toe Togba stated that Sergeant Beweh has been arrested and is undergoing a formal investigation. ACP Togba expressed regret over the incident, extended sympathies to the victims and their families, and called on the public to remain calm while investigations proceed.
He further disclosed plans to visit the hospital to assess the victims’ conditions and obtain their statements as part of the ongoing probe.
The shooting has reignited public concern over the alleged reckless discharge of firearms by state security personnel since the beginning of 2026.
In a separate but related security concern in Sinoe County, Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers assigned to protect the Sapo National Park reportedly fired multiple rounds in a nearby community. According to Sinoe County Representative Sampson Weah, the soldiers allegedly entered the village, violated traditional practices, and discharged more than 80 rounds, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
These incidents have intensified calls for stricter oversight, improved discipline, and greater accountability within Liberia’s security institutions.
