A man from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was allegedly shot in front of Wings and Things, on Mandela Avenue.
The scene of the shooting
The man has been identified as 48-year-old Martin Bovell, also known as John Corbie, a fisherman of 374 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Guyana Times understand that the incident occurred around 02:00h on Sunday.
A press release sent out by the Police revealed that the victim was outside the bar when an argument ensued between him and the perpetrator.
It is reported that the victim allegedly left beer bottles on the licensed firearm holder’s car trunk.
The release noted that after the argument, the victim followed the suspect into the bar and shot at him, which caused the man to draw his licensed handgun and discharge three rounds at the victim, hitting him in the region of his chest and abdomen.
According to the Police, four spent shells were recovered from the crime scene.
Bovell was then picked up and rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery but up to press time, he was said to be in a critical state.
The suspect was reportedly taken into Police custody along with the firearm used.
However, when this publication visited Bovell’s East Ruimveldt home, a family member, who wished to remain anonymous, related a different version of what had transpired.
According to the woman, the victim and his girlfriend went to the bar where he purchased chicken for her.
She related that in the process of opening a packet of ketchup, some spilled onto the suspect’s car which angered the man.
A heated argument then reportedly ensued after which the suspect pulled out his firearm and shot at the victim five times.
She said that three bullets struck the victim, one to his arm and two to his abdomen. Family members are also claiming that the perpetrator is an ex-Police Officer. However, up to press time when Guyana Times attempted to verify such with the Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, calls to his telephone went unanswered.
Bovell reportedly fell to the ground and was picked up and rushed to the hospital.
When this newspaper visited the scene of the shooting, persons were tight-lipped and refused to divulge any details.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
