Man dead after struck down by alleged bandit in foiled getaway attempt

A 42 – year old labourer is now dead after he was struck down by a minibus that was carjacked during a robbery Saturday morning.

Police said the fatal accident occurred about 3:00hrs on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara and it resulted in the death of Joseph James of Walter Terrace, West La Penitence, Georgetown.

According to a police report, the driver of minibus, BSS 9898, said that he was proceeding north along the Western Carriageway when he stopped to urinate and in the process, was robbed of his jewels, by the occupants of a car. The driver said that the bandits forced him into the minibus and drove off, during which they struck down James, who was proceeding in the said direction on a motorcycle, CH 9495.

The cyclist was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in an unconscious state where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

According to the police report, the driver of the minibus was given a breathalyzer test and it was found that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. Police also noted that there is a witness whose account of the accident contradicts that of the driver, who claimed that he was hijacked.

The driver remains in police custody assisting with the investigation.