Wakenaam businessman killed during attempted robbery in city

A Wakenaam, Essequibo Island, businessman was shot and killed on Tuesday, after two bandits attempted to rob him of his bag. The incident occurred sometime around 11:05h on Alexander Street, between Regent and Robb Streets, Georgetown.
Dead is 26-year-old Mahendra Persaud, called “Amar”, of Lot 22 Good Success, Wakenaam. The man, who ran his family-owned supermarket, got married in February.

Guyana Times understands that Persaud was on his weekly trip to Georgetown to get goods for the business and was in the front passenger seat in the parked vehicle along with his driver on Alexander Street in front of the Torginol building, when two men road up alongside him on a CG motorcycle.
As he was existing the vehicle, one of the men whom was armed demanded that he hand over the bag which contained a large sum of money; however, Persaud put up resistance. A struggle then ensued between the businessman and the bandit during which Persaud was shot.
The 26-year-old fell to the ground but held on to the bag as the armed man continued his attempt to relieve him of it. At this point, a licensed firearm holder who was in the area pulled out his weapon and went to Persaud’s aid. However, the bandit saw the armed man approaching and let go of the bag, and began running.
Further information revealed that as the bandit was running in the direction of Robb Street, the licensed firearm holder opened fire in his direction. There was an exchange of gunfire between the two men during which the bandit was reportedly hit. Nevertheless, the injured bandit managed to escape as his accomplice was waiting at the corners of Robb and Alexander Streets.
On the other hand, as gunshots ran out, the driver of a car that was approaching the scene reportedly panicked and ran over Persaud, who was lying at the corner of the road. The injured businessman was picked up by his driver and immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DoA).
Persaud reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds, one to his neck and two others to his chest.
Meanwhile, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the young man’s aunt,Dr Koushilyia Persaud, who is a staff at the medical facility, related that she was informed of the shooting by their driver and immediately rushed to Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit where her worst fears were confirmed.
The woman said that her nephew’s parents separated, so he grew up with her and her parents. “He and his younger brother were brought up by my parents and so we are all very close… I can’t believe that he is gone… he used to come visit me every time he is in town and would bring me lunch,” the grieving woman lamented.
The aunt described the 26-year-old as a friendly, non-confrontational, funny and helpful young man who just began life, having got married just two months ago.
Back home in Wakenaam, the news of Persaud’s death spread, leaving relatives and friends shocked and dumbfounded. Persons began gathering at his home to extend condolences to his family. The man’s friends even blocked off the street in front of his home with motorcycles and vehicles as they mourned his untimely demise.
They described him as a very independent and consoling friend who is always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever is in need. Many persons even took to social media on Persaud’s facebook page, expressing their shock and sympathy over his sudden death.
According to Police reports, the bag that Persaud had in his possession was recovered and handed over to relatives. The Police also revealed in a statement that a man was seen attempting to change the number plate of the vehicle that had run over the Wakenaam businessman. He has since been arrested and told investigators that he is a mechanic who was asked to replace the number plate by the owner. The car has been impounded.
The Police said they are yet to arrest the driver of the car. Nevertheless, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that they are looking for an individual who is known to the Police.
The Crime Chief disclosed that investigators were able to obtain CCTV footage from the area and were able to identify one of the suspects. Investigations are continuing.