Gunman who shot miner surrenders

A suspected gunman, who shot and robbed a miner, has turned himself into the police at the Brickdam Police Station in Georgetown and has since confessed to the crime in the presence of his attorney, a police report noted on Thursday.

The police report noted that the 33-year-old South Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara suspect also confessed to the ownership of an unlicensed firearm with five live rounds which along with part of the stolen jewellery were found in a motor car, in close proximity of the crime scene.

Investigations revealed that about 15:00hrs on September 02, the 44-year-old victim, who is a miner and resides at Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD, was a passenger in a minibus at the East Coast Bus Park, Hinck Street, Georgetown, when two suspects, one armed with a handgun, pounced and relieved him of his gold and diamond chain valued $950,000.

Police said the men fled in the direction of the Stabroek Market. The armed suspect was pursued by the victim and during a confrontation, at the Stabroek Market, he drew his firearm and discharged several rounds, hitting the victim on his left hand and buttock.

It was noted that the gunman quickly proceeded to a parked motor car where he concealed something and escaped, leaving the car locked. The vehicle was towed to the Brickdam Police Station and later searched in the presence of its owner who provided a key to gain access and who claimed to have rented the car to a Kitty resident since last July.

The victim, who was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital was treated and later discharged.  Efforts are being made to have the other suspect arrested.