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Courtney Menzies has the story.

27-year-old Lorray Arzu joined the ranks of the police force back in December, and now, 10 months later, she's fighting for her life in the ICU. That's because she was shot last night in Dangriga around 7 while sitting in the passenger seat of a pickup.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"She and the other victim came to the vehicle, the suspect was standing nearby and before they got into the vehicle, the male victim and the suspect had an exchange of words. Having that exchange of words, Ms Arzu got into the vehicle and when the exchange of words was done, the driver got in, and when he got in, that's when the suspect open gunshots at the driver door of the vehicle so it just so happens that some of the bullets passed him and went and caught Ms Arzu."

Reporter
"So PC Arzu was somewhat collateral damage?"

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Certainly, she was, she was not targeted."

This witness heard the gunshots and then saw the pickup:

Anthony Kulen, Neighbour
"I pulled into the yard before, I was coming by vehicle to close the gate and while at the gate to close it I heard the shots.I thought the police were there something happened and they shot in the air to frighten somebody, that is what I thought. Sometimes the police would take her home so I assumed, but then you realize wait police don't have that kind of vehicle with lights."

Reporter
"How quickly after this does the car speed off? It was a pickup I believe, right?

Anthony Kulen, Neighbour
"A few minutes afterwards just after the shots. It drove past me going to the hospital."

PC Arzu was shot to the head, and while her prognosis seems grim, the Commissioner of Police - after his visit to the KHMH to speak with the family - says they're seeking the best treatment options:

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"We were contemplating to transfer her over to Medical Associates and it is not to say that KHMH is not doing their best, we have to commend the doctors at KHMH for the tremendous job that they have done in keeping her alive because she went through a brain surgery last night and there was some degree of success with that and obviously the staff at KHMH and the doctor who performed the surgery ought to be commended. Nonetheless having spoken to the doctor, they're advising that due to the fact that she's on life support, removing her from the life support to transfer her to Medical Associates may put her more at risk than anything else and so we will be meeting this afternoon with Dr Arriaga and we'll be guided by his medical opinion in terms of whether or not it is feasible to move her at this time."

In the meantime, the police are on the hunt for the suspect.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Last night I deployed SPU and MIT to Dangriga to assist in searching for the suspect. From what we gathered is that the suspect and the other victim, Rowland, had an exchange of words before shots were fired. Mr Rowland is disputing having any altercation with the suspect but we do have a credible witness who told us that. And so we're waiting for Mr Rowland to recover to a stage where he can be interviewed more in-depth to see if he will be forthcoming."

Reporter
"The shooter has been identified?"

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"At this time we do not have a definitive name, we have a person who we believe may be involved and we're pursuing that person at this time."

And the ComPol is also asking for witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.

Notably, reports say that when Rowland arrived at the SRH, he smashed his phone on the ground and tossed it in the trash before seeking medical attention. Police have retrieved the phone.