2 shot, 5 arrested in Georgetown, Lethem armed robberies

…smart city cameras help Police track bandits

Police in Georgetown and Lethem, Region Nine (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are investigating two separate armed robberies that occurred over the weekend, resulting in several arrests and injuries. In Georgetown, Regional Division 4 ‘A’ ranks are probing an alleged robbery under arms that took place on Saturday, at about 15:03h along Chappel Street, between Durban and Hadfield Streets, Lodge, Georgetown. According to Police, the victim, a Chinese national was driving a minibus when his path was reportedly blocked by a black Toyota Auris. Two motorcycles then approached, and the victim was allegedly held at gunpoint and relieved of a bag before the suspects fled.
Using Smart City surveillance cameras, police tracked the movements of the suspects. The motorcycles were later seen in James Street, Albouystown, where the suspects reportedly joined the Toyota Auris, which proceeded into Bel Air. Police intercepted the vehicle on Eping Avenue, Bel Air. During the operation, a 22-year-old male of ‘E’ Field, Sophia, allegedly pulled a firearm on an officer and was shot in the left thigh. He was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical treatment.
Four other suspects, aged 18 to 26, of Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, Durban and Smyth Streets and La Penitence, Georgetown were arrested and remain in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station. Police recovered a Glock 17 pistol, three 9mm rounds of ammunition, and the vehicles used in the robbery. Meanwhile, in Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine, police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at about 22:15h also on Saturday, targeting a 42-year-old businesswoman. Reports are that the woman had just closed her store when a man brandished a handgun and demanded her side bag containing cash and a cell phone. Two employees of the victim and another man gave chase. During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly fired a shot, injuring a 31-year-old Venezuelan in the upper right thigh. The man was treated at the Lethem Regional Hospital and later referred to Boa Vista, Brazil, for further care. Two others sustained injuries during the incident and were treated at the Lethem Regional Hospital. Police recovered a 9mm spent shell at the scene and CCTV footage is being reviewed.
A 52-year-old suspect, residing in Lethem and also of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is in custody as investigations continue.