Shooting probe: Travis Chase asked to turn in firearm to Police

Days after the car of Guyanese Journalist Travis Chase was shot at by a lone gunman, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has asked him to turn in his firearm after the spent shells found at the scene of the shooting bore similarities to those fired by his registered firearm.
On Wednesday evening, the Police said that its Crime Laboratory preliminary examination reveals “significant similarities” between the spent shells and specimen casings obtained from Chase during his firearm registration.
“Investigators recovered spent shells from the scene and submitted same to the GPF Crime Laboratory for testing. One of the expert firearm examiners within the Laboratory compared the aforementioned shell casings with the specimen shell casings that were obtained from Mr Chase when he had just purchased and registered his firearm, and the preliminary test result reveals significant similarities between these spent shells,” the Police said in a statement.
As the probe advances, investigators have called on Chase to surrender his licensed firearm for further analysis.
Three nights ago, a lone gunman opened fire on Chase’s vehicle at his D’Urban Street and Cemetery Road, Georgetown home.
The Journalist related that he had parked his white Toyota Premio motor car, PVV 8453, on the western side of the road, facing south, in front of his residence, and went inside to collect a shopping list from his aunt when he heard several loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots, emanating from the direction of his car.
He said that upon inspecting his vehicle, he discovered three bullet holes on the left rear fender.
Police, in a statement, said investigators discovered three 9mm spent shells and one live 9mm round at the scene. Several individuals were questioned. This alarming incident marks the second attempt on Chase’s life.
In 2020, Chase’s black Honda CRV was set ablaze in the compound of the Public Service Ministry. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage revealed an intruder scaling the fence before the vehicle erupted in flames.
“This is not the first attempt on my life. The last time they burnt my car, and some years ago, the Police received intelligence that there was a hit on my head,” Chase told the media.
Chase, attributing the attacks to his journalistic style, said he remains steadfast in pursuing the truth. The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has called for a thorough investigation, emphasising the need for Journalists to work without threats to their lives and livelihoods.
Calls to Chase for a comment on the surrendering of his firearm proved futile. (G9)