Money changer shot, robbed on America Street

Two motorcycle bandits shot and robbed an America Street, Georgetown money charger during a daring daylight robbery on Saturday.

Injured is 49-year-old David Wilson of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (ECD). He was rushed to the hospital where he is nursing a gunshot wound to his upper left leg.

Reports are that the robbery occurred at about 11:30h while Wilson was standing on the pavement of America Street, Georgetown.

According to Police, the bandits turned into the street from Avenue of the Republic on an XR motorcycle that did not have a number plate. Wilson gestured to the two men to find out if they wanted to change foreign currency when the motorcycle came to a stop. The pillion rider jumped off, brandishing a handgun and demanded that Wilson hand over the cash in his hands. Police said that Wilson was reluctant and the suspect discharged a round to his upper left leg, after which he handed over the cash and the bandits made good their escape on the motorcycle. He has informed Police that he handed over $600,000 after he was shot.

Police have since launched an investigation.

Three years ago, 60-year-old Rockford Richardson, also called “Bigger”, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, was shot to his left thigh and relieved of $120,000 at the same spot Wilson was shot. He too was a money changer on America Street.

Reports at the time were that the man parked his car on High Street, Georgetown, in preparation to head towards America Street, when he was confronted by two bandits on a motorcycle.

The pillion rider armed with a gun reportedly jumped off the motorcycle and demanded that Richardson hand over the money he had in his possession.

Fearful for his life, Richardson reportedly handed over the cash, and the bandit discharged a round that hit Richardson to his left thigh before jumping back onto the motorcycle which sped away.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted a patient. (G9)