The man who was killed by police on Exuma Sunday night as he attempted to escape custody had a history of mental illness, the Bahama Journal understands.

Wesley Mako Pierre, 33, was shot to the upper chest during a struggle with police.

According to reports, it was shortly after 11:00 p.m., that Pierre, who was being held at the George Town, Exuma Police Station for a criminal offence, asked to use the washroom and while being escorted there, he allegedly attacked an officer stabbing him to the face then running outside the station.

Pierre made it as far as a nearby liquor store where officers eventually caught up with him.

As the officers attempted to arrest him, a struggle ensued and Pierre again attacked another officer – this time allegedly striking the officer to the face with an object.

Police also said that he attempted to disarm the officer at which time the officer shot Pierre to the upper chest.

He was pronounced dead on the scene by the island’s doctor.

The officer who was stabbed to the face sustained serious injuries and has been flown to New Providence for further medical treatment.

Family members of Pierre are however, questioning the veracity of the police’s story noting that their relative was a mentally ill man suggesting that they doubted Pierre would have the wherewithal to do the things that he has been accused of doing.

Police have said the incident is under active investigation.