Three men were arrested moments after robbing the Ayan Supermarket in Unity, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday. Anthon Fraser and Lushawn Crawford of Nabacalis, ECD and Renardo Persaud of Coldingen ECD, were apprehended by ranks from Regional Police Division 4’C’.
Based on reports received, at about 16:10h on the day in question, two of the suspects entered the Chinese-operated supermarket while the third waited in the getaway car, a silver Toyota Axio bearing license plate PAB 5491.
Whilst in the establishment, one of the suspects brandished a firearm at the cashier, while the other took out the cash from the register. The bandits then fled the scene in the vehicle.
Arrested: Anthon Fraser, Lushawn Crawford, and Renardo Persaud
An alarm was promptly raised, and the police were contacted and responded to the report. A unit reportedly spotted the getaway car in the Nabacalis area, and after a brief chase, the vehicle crashed into another.
The firearm that was found in the men’s possession
Fortunately, no one in the other vehicle was injured during the collision.
Upon detaining the suspects, police discovered a 9mm Baretta pistol with matching magazine and ammunition, some $9,750 in cash, a haversack, ski masks, and caps. The three men are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
This latest robbery comes amid increased concerns about the frequency of armed robberies on the ECD. Just days earlier, police were still pursuing two armed men involved in a daring robbery at Colleen’s Grocery Supermarket in Golden Grove.
In that incident, the assailants escaped with over $4 million in cash and valuables after terrorising the store owner and employees.
Police are urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant as they continue their investigations into these recent crimes.
