Overseas-based Guyanese arrested for firing shots with illegal gun in Parika

…claims gun was for his “protection” while in Guyana

An overseas-based Guyanese will soon be arraigned before a court of law for discharging a loaded firearm in the air on Sunday night, thereby scaring a number of residents at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
Reports are that the man, who is on vacation from the United States, was spending time with relatives at Parika. This newspaper was told that the overseas-based Guyanese was caught driving a car and firing shots as he made his way through the streets of the village.
A Police source told this publication that the man admitted to owning the illegal firearm, which he claimed he had obtained to “ensure his safety” for the duration of his stay in Guyana.
Speaking with this newspaper, Commander of “D” Division, Edmond Cooper, said the Police received reports from residents in Parika that shots were being fired, and upon a prompt response by the Police, the man was nabbed.
“We caught him with the illegal firearm in his possession. He was immediately arrested and placed in our custody. He will be placed before the court before this week is out,” Cooper confirmed.

Suspected bandits
Meanwhile, in relation to another incident which occurred on the same night at Ruby Backdam, Parika, wherein three suspected bandits were arrested while two others had managed to escape, the commander explained that the detainees are being interrogated for other crimes they may have committed recently.
“We are carrying out the investigation right now with them. We are questioning them as to whether they were involved in other criminal activities in this policing district. We have got their firearm; they will be charged for court soon; sometime this week,” he said.
Last Sunday night, a resident of Ruby Backdam was driving along the main access road heading towards his home when he came under gunfire.
He had reportedly attempted to overtake two cars – a Carina 212 and a Toyota Premio — when the occupants opened fire. However, he had managed to escape, and had immediately contacted the Police.
A cousin of the traumatised man explained that upon the arrival of the Police, as ranks were making their way into the Backdam, they reportedly intercepted one of the cars, which had five occupants.
When the car came to a halt, two of the men exited the vehicle and ran into the bushes. The Police reportedly discharged rounds in their direction, but the two suspected bandits managed to make good their escape. The other three occupants in the detained car were immediately arrested.
Upon searching the vehicle while the trio were being arrest, a gun and a quantity of ammunition were discovered inside the motor car.
The cousin of the traumatised Ruby resident has said that villagers are fearful for their lives, given that the two men remain at large.
He recalled that, about two months ago, a businessman was shot and killed during the commission of a robbery, and he said he believes the group of men who had been intercepted were on a mission to commit other robberies in the area.
Somdat Ramgobin, 46, also known as “Rakesh”, was killed in mid-May when bandits invaded his Parika Backdam home.
It was reported that two men had entered the premises — one brandishing a gun – and had asked for “Rakesh”. The men had then proceeded to call out to Ramgobin, who responded and was immediately attacked with a glass bottle and beaten to his head and body.
The duo had then demanded cash, and were given some $600,000 by the now deceased man. Unsatisfied, the men had demanded jewellery; and after being told there was none, had taken Ramgobin to a bedroom in his house, where they shot him to his chest.