By: Emmanuel Koffa | Grand Kru Correspondent
Barclayville City, Grand Kru County |February 18, 2026| Tension reportedly gripped the headquarters of the Liberia National Police in Grand Kru County early Wednesday morning after an alleged assault on the county’s Operations Commander and a subsequent late-night protest at the station.
Police say the situation began around 10:00 p.m. at the Wakpaken Junction in Barclayville when Superintendent Truman David Barclay Jr., Officer in Charge of Operations, confronted a driver accused of reckless driving.
According to authorities, the driver of a white vehicle—believed to be linked to a LoneStar Cell MTN worker—was operating the vehicle in a manner that endangered pedestrians.
“The vehicle was reportedly being driven recklessly and nearly struck civilians along with the OPS,” a police account revealed.
Police allege that when Superintendent Barclay attempted to caution the driver, the confrontation escalated into physical violence.
“The suspect allegedly used his car door to hit the Superintendent and further assaulted him with a punch to the stomach,” police stated.
Officers responding to the scene reportedly invited the driver to the station for questioning. However, authorities say he refused and left the area, abandoning the vehicle.
During the impoundment process, police arrested a mechanic who allegedly attempted to obstruct the seizure of the vehicle. Officers also removed the vehicle’s battery as part of the impoundment procedure.
The situation intensified at approximately 2:00 a.m. when the suspect reportedly returned to the police station accompanied by a group of supporters.
“The group arrived in protest, demanding the immediate release of the arrested individual and issuing threats against the station,” police disclosed.
The Deputy Police Commander for Grand Kru County, CSP Harry Blackie, intervened and engaged the crowd in dialogue.
“He appealed for calm and advised them to return in the morning to allow the matter to be handled through proper investigation,” police said, noting that the crowd eventually dispersed without further incident.
Authorities confirmed that the case remains under investigation, and the identity of the principal suspect has yet to be officially disclosed.
