The three suspects who were arrested following an early morning armed robbery at Ramada Princess Casino last Friday will make their first court appearance today, according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.
The three men, Wayne Griffith, Junior Stewart, and Andrew Blackman, a security guard attached to the hotel, are expected to be slapped with several charges, including armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Griffith was arrested after he was left behind by his colleagues on the morning of the robbery.
Wayne Griffith
Upon his arrest, the Police were able to gather information which led to the arrest of Blackman, who is said to be the mastermind of the robbery.
However, as Police continued their investigations, Stewart, of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was implicated. He was arrested at his sister’s home at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, with a bag containing over $900,000 in wet $5000 and $1000 notes. He was only recently released on bail for a gun-related charge.
Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino
Meanwhile, Blanhum stated that Police were hunting another suspect.
Pandemonium broke out at the gambling facility on April 30 when four gunmen stormed the Casino about 03:45h and discharged several rounds as they relieved patrons and staff of cash and other valuables.
During the shooting, Eon Garraway was shot to his left hand; James Gregory, to his left foot; Orlando Knights, to his left hand; and Udairan Sookraj to his right hand. They were all admitted to a city hospital.
In addition, Melissa Ferguson, Jermaine Mason and Roshel Fraser were also assaulted by the armed men.
Based on reports, after the men entered the facility, they held a security guard on duty at gunpoint and took away his shotgun and several rounds of ammunition.
The men then ordered everyone to lie on the ground and escorted the guard to the cashier where they relieved said cashier of an undisclosed sum of foreign and local currency. By this time, the Police were alerted and they responded promptly.
As they arrived on the scene, they were confronted by the armed men which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. During the exchange, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson was shot to his abdomen. He was admitted to a city hospital and reportedly underwent emergency surgery.
Meanwhile, the firearm taken from the guard was recovered while three of the men managed to escape.
It was reported that the car used in the robbery was hijacked at Brush Dam, Buxton, East Coast Demerara. It was impounded.
