Teen bandit shot dead after robbing Lethem businessman

A teenage bandit was shot dead by Police, while another was taken into custody following the robbery of a businessman at Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Tuesday.

The dead bandit has been identified as 18-year-old Edward Arjune, also called “Black Spanish”, of Lethem, Central Rupununi.
Based on reports recovered, on the day in question at about 14:00h, a 27-year-old businessman of Tabatinga, Lethem, was conducting business inside the store when two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered.
The suspects allegedly approached the cashier area, held the victim at gunpoint, and demanded cash. Out of fear for his life, the businessman reportedly handed over a quantity of Guyanese currency and Brazilian reais, amounting to approximately GY$650,000.
After committing the act, the suspects exited the store and fled the scene on a motorcycle, which was being operated by a third suspect.
However, the Police were summoned, and a pursuit was initiated, during which the bandits opened fire on the ranks. In retaliation, the Police returned fire, but the bandits managed to escape through a flooded and overgrown area.
Nevertheless, a 35-year-old male from Culvert City, Central Rupununi, was subsequently arrested. Police also confirmed that the motorcycle, which bore no registration number, and two helmets suspected to have been used during the commission of the robbery, were recovered.
Meanwhile, further investigations led ranks to an area behind Plastic City, Bon Success, and Tabatinga, Lethem, where Edward Arjune, also called “Black Spanish”, was found unresponsive with suspected gunshot injuries.
He was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A haversack containing a quantity of Guyanese and Brazilian currency was also recovered.
The Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage as the probe continues. They are on the hunt for the third suspect.