A 14-year-old boy from ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown is in stable condition after being shot in the chest during a chaotic series of events that unfolded late Thursday night at Durban Park, Georgetown. Police are actively investigating the incident, which reportedly began with an attempted robbery and escalated.
According to initial reports, the teenage student, accompanied by a friend known only as “Ranks,” was walking along Charlotte Street, Georgetown around 22:40h when they encountered a woman. The friend, “Ranks,” allegedly drew a cutlass from his waistband and snatched the woman’s handbag. The pair then took off running, heading south on Albert Street, Georgetown as several bystanders began to pursue them.
The chase continued through several streets. The young student said he eventually split off from “Ranks,” who ran in an unknown direction. The 14-year-old ran towards Durban Park, hoping to evade the crowd. However, a group of men reportedly caught up with him there, and according to the teen’s account, began to punch and kick him. Amid the assault, he heard a loud explosion and felt a burning sensation in his chest.
The men then left leaving the injured teen behind. Other individuals at the scene quickly came to his aid and contacted the police. Emergency responders took the teen to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted a patient.
Doctors reported that he sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest, though his condition has since stabilised.
Police have so far been unable to locate “Ranks,” the woman whose handbag was reportedly stolen, or the men involved in the assault and shooting. Investigators have questioned several people who witnessed parts of the incident and have processed the scene.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of “Ranks” or the suspects involved in the shooting to come forward.
