ISLAMABAD: The chief security officer (CSO) of the US embassy was arrested for alleged abetment in a crime and assaulting and harassing the police.

The Kohsar police arrested the suspect from the parking area of the district and sessions court Islamabad, an official told Dawn. He had allegedly threatened and assaulted the police officials besides trying to help a US diplomat escape from police custody after a fatal traffic accident.

On April 8, US Defence and Air Attaché Col Joseph Emanuel jumped the red light on Margalla Road and hit two young men riding a motorcycle. One of them died and his pillion rider was injured.

The CSO reached the spot - Zoo Chowk - and threatened the police officials for holding the diplomat. Besides, he also put up resistance against the police to help the diplomat escape, said the police.

Investigating officer of the case Inspector Arshad Ali told Dawn that the victim’s father had lodged a complaint with the police against the CSO. In response, an inquiry was conducted which found the CSO guilty. Later, he was nominated in the FIR already registered in the case.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (operations) Asmatullah Junejo told Dawn that the victim’s father had also complained to the inspector general of the police that the CSO came to the Kohsar police station with armed men and harassed and threatened the police and took away the diplomat along with him.

SHO Kohsar Inspector Khalid Awan in his statement also said the security officer had visited his office and harassed him and his staff.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2018