The four suspects who were arrested following last week’s shoot-out at the Alpha Hotel in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), which left one man dead, have been released from Police custody.
Police at the scene of the shooting on Thursday
This was disclosed by Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, who told Guyana Times that the men were released after the 72-hour detention period had expired.
The Crime Chief further stated that as a condition to their bail, the suspects are required to report to the Police.
On Thursday last, at about 16:30h, an exchange of gunfire between Police ranks and suspects at Ogle, ECD, resulted in the death of 51-year-old Nigel Joseph of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
He was shot to the abdomen and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The man died while being transported to seek medical attention.
Blanhum told this newspaper last week that the Police received information about a large-scale drug transaction and went to the location to investigate. While there, they realised that the information was accurate and immediately came under fire.
Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that investigators recovered 5.5 kilograms of cocaine along with a Smith and Wesson 9mm firearm from the scene.
Meanwhile, Commander of C Division (East Coast Demerara) Marlon Chapman confirmed the shootout took place, indicating that the Police were conducting an operation in the area when they came under fire from the men who were occupying a room at the hotel.
Chapman further revealed that the Police returned fire, hitting the man who succumbed to his injuries. As the Police moved in, he related, the others attempted to escape, but were cornered and arrested.
Chapman also confirmed that none of the Police ranks were injured during the shootout which lasted some 15 minutes.
