Triumph shooting probe: Wanted Annandale teen found hiding in ceiling

A wanted 19-year-old welder of Annandale New Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested Friday after Police found him hiding in the ceiling of a residence in the community.
The teen was wanted in connection with an alleged attempted murder and robbery under arms incident at Triumph. The wanted bulletin had been issued for his arrest earlier in the day.
The suspect, Kobie Isiah Benjamin, was arrested after Police acted on information and went to a residence at Annandale, ECD.
Benjamin is wanted in relation to an incident that occurred on Monday, January 12, at Triumph, ECD, during which Shaheen Amanat, also known as “Ryan”, sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Amanat, a 31-year-old taxi driver, remains hospitalised in critical condition.
It was reported that the shooting occurred at about 23:45h in the vicinity of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office at Triumph, while Amanat was driving a motor car. He was reportedly accompanied by another male who has since become a suspect in the case.
According to initial Police reports, the vehicle was allegedly being pursued by several motorcyclists when a loud sound was heard and the right-side glass of the car shattered. Amanat reportedly lost consciousness moments later, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway and collide with a metal railing. He was rushed to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where doctors confirmed he sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators have since obtained CCTV footage of the incident and are examining contradictions between the footage and initial accounts provided. As a result, the man who was in the vehicle with Amanat has been detained as the investigation intensifies. He is reportedly a licensed firearm holder.
Information gathered during the probe suggests that Amanat and the suspect were imbibing earlier in the night and later travelled along ECD, where they encountered a group of men on motorcycles. An exchange reportedly occurred, followed by a confrontation at a bar.
After leaving the location, the motorcyclists reportedly followed the vehicle. While near Triumph, the situation escalated, and investigators suspect that shots were discharged, during which Amanat was struck.
Benjamin remains in Police custody, assisting with the investigation. Prior to his arrest, another suspect was taken into custody.
Investigations are ongoing.