A celebration among teenagers who had recently completed their Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams was disrupted on Saturday night, after a man fired several rounds from a moving vehicle along Sugar Cane Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
The incident occurred around 20:10h, while a social gathering was underway at the home of 69-year-old businessman Richard Austin, whose 16-year-old son hosted the event for classmates and friends who had written the regional examinations.
Police say that during the gathering, an unidentified male, believed to be driving a black Mercedes-Benz, fired multiple shots into the air before speeding away from the area. Preliminary investigations revealed that shortly before the shots rang out, the suspect was seen on the roadside embracing a 15-year-old female student who had been attending the party. Moments later, the man entered the vehicle and drove off at high speed, pointing a handgun out of the driver’s side window and discharging several rounds while heading west.
Police were called to the scene and processed the area, recovering nineteen (19) 9mm spent shells from the roadway.
No one was injured in the incident, but the reckless use of a firearm in a public space, particularly during an event attended by minors, has sparked concern among residents and law enforcement.
The identity of the suspect remains unknown. Investigators have not yet located the black Mercedes Benz, and the 15-year-old girl who was seen with the suspect has refused to reveal his identity. The registration number of the vehicle was not observed. Police say efforts are ongoing to identify the shooter and recover the weapon. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since condemned the incident and is urging members of the public with information to come forward.
Investigations are continuing.
