Three suspects have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at LQ Supermarket located at Success on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Saturday. The trio were arrested following an intelligence-led police operation.
Law enforcement officials also recovered two firearms, ammunition, and cash suspected to be proceeds from the crime.
The arrests were made during a cordon and search operation conducted the same day, between 21:00 and 22:30h. Acting on intelligence, a police team led by Superintendent Dufu, proceeded to multiple locations in Plaisance, ECD, where the three suspects—Cleveland Cross, Orwin Smith, and Shawana Sobers—were taken into custody.
The first suspect, 28-year-old Cleveland Cross, a construction worker, was arrested at Lot 22 Graham Street, Plaisance. A search of his bedroom resulted in the discovery of several suspected stolen cellular phones, a white HP laptop with a charger, a pair of black Clarks boots, grey jeans, and a black ski mask.
Cleveland Cross, Orwin Smith, and Shawana Sobers who were arrested in connection with the robbery
Upon being informed of the allegations and cautioned under the Judge’s Rules, Cross admitted to his involvement, stating, “Officer, me and me ‘dawgs’ them went on that robbery last night by the Chiney at Success, but I just got some phone cards and I done hussle it out.”
Cross was arrested and transported to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the recovered items were photographed, placed in evidence bags, and lodged. He later provided a statement under caution.
Following additional intelligence, police proceeded to Lot 20 Prince William Street, Plaisance, where they encountered 25-year-old Orwin Smith, a mason, who was preparing to leave the premises with his spouse, 34-year-old Shawana Sobers, a clothes vendor.
The items that were found in the suspects’ possession
Smith was carrying a black one-strap bag, which was searched by officers. Inside, police found a black FNS-40 handgun with a magazine containing eleven 9mm rounds. When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, he replied, “No sir.”
After being informed of the offence and cautioned, Smith admitted to owning the weapon, stating, “Officer, is my gun and is for protection.”
A further search of the residence resulted in the discovery of another 9mm black handgun inside a haversack in his bedroom.
Checks revealed that this firearm was stolen during a robbery at XI Chinese establishment on Melanie Public Road, ECD, on February 23, 2025. The firearm had been stolen from security guard Daquan Philadelphia during that attack.
Police also recovered $71,420 in various denominations, suspected to be proceeds from the supermarket robbery.
When questioned about the firearms, Smith admitted ownership and said the cash was part of his share from the robbery. His spouse, Shawana Sobers, denied any involvement, telling officers, “Officer, is Orwin guns.”
Orwin Smith, and Sobers were transported to the Sparendaam Police Station, where they were profiled and placed in custody.
