By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

TWO police officers are in hospital today – one with a gunshot wound – after being attacked in two separate incidents over the weekend.

The first incident occurred around 6:35pm Friday in Exuma. Police say officers of the Exuma District were doing routine patrol on Queen’s Highway in Hoopers Bay when they saw a man acting suspiciously.

The suspect, dressed in a black shirt, with black gloves and a black tam, opened fire when he saw the officers, hitting one of them in the shoulder.

The officer was taken to the George Town Clinic where he is being treated for his wounds.

The suspect escaped on foot. Officers of the Central Detective Unit, along with Exuma police, are investigating and appealing to members of the public who might have information in locating the suspect, to contact them.

The second incident occurred a few hours later around 10:45pm in Eleuthera.

Police say the officer was at a business establishment on Queen’s Highway in James Cistern, when he was attacked by a group of men and hit on his head.

The officer received severe head and facial lacerations and suffered a fractured jaw.

He was taken to the local clinic where his wound required almost 50 stitches.

However, the officer’s condition continued to worsen and at about 1am Saturday, he was airlifted to New Providence where he underwent surgery.

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man of James Cistern, Eleuthera, who is expected to be charged with causing grievous harm.

Investigations are continuing.