Suspect arrested after ‘explosion’ heard in Werk-en-Rust

A male suspect was arrested early Sunday morning after a loud explosion was heard in the Werk-en-Rust area of Georgetown, prompting a swift response from the police.

At approximately 01:30h on Sunday, it was reported that a cadet officer, accompanied by a team from the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) was conducting mobile patrols in three police vehicles in the vicinity of Leopold and Cross Streets.
The patrol team was startled by a loud sound that resembled a gunshot. Upon investigation, the officers spotted an identifiable male, of African descent, dressed in long blue jeans and a coloured hoodie, running in a southern direction while holding what appeared to be a firearm.
The suspect fled into a nearby fenced yard, but police gave chase and quickly apprehended him.
Upon searching the suspect, officers discovered a 9MM Beretta pistol concealed in his waist, along with a magazine containing ten (10) rounds of matching 9mm ammunition.
When asked if he was the holder of a valid firearm licence, the suspect responded with a simple “no.” He was informed of the offence and cautioned, though he chose to remain silent thereafter.
The suspect, who refused to provide his name or any personal details, was arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station. At the station, crime scene investigators dusted the firearm for fingerprints.
The suspect was then transported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where further investigation took place, including a gunpowder residue test. He remains in police custody as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.