Jason Gonsalves, also called Jason Brunette, was on Monday remanded to prison on two firearm related charges, including whipping out a revolver at a Police rank.
Gonsalves, 27 of D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the two charges.
Particulars of the charges alleged that on June 20, 2021 at Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown, Gonsalves had a Taurus Judge revolver along with five rounds of 410 ammunition in his possession while he was not the holder of a firearm license.
His attorney, Siand Dhurjon, made an application for bail on the grounds that his client is the sole breadwinner for his son and fiancé, who is currently pregnant.
According to Dhurjon, his client is innocent since he was at home with his family during the time the offence was allegedly committed.
However, after Gonsalves learnt that he was wanted for questioning in relation to the crime, he decided to report to the Brickdam Police Station.
Dhurjon further contended that no Identification parade was conducted by the police prior to the matter being brought before court.
The court prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Gonsalves has similar pending matters before the court.
According to the facts presented in court, it is alleged that on the day in question police acting on information went to Burger King on Regent Street and saw Gonsalves along with Shaquille Grant, acting in a suspicious manner.
As the police approached them, it is alleged that both suspects drew firearms from the crotch of their pants and pointed same towards the police.
A police corporal returned fire causing the two men to run. Gonsalves ran into Burger King and it is alleged that Grant went west on Regent Street and the policeman gave chase behind him.
Grant jumped a fence at Guyoil Gas Station and into a canal but was later arrested on Charlotte Street.
When the policeman returned to Burger King, Gonsalves had already made good his escape. Acting on information received, a search was conducted in Burger King’s kitchen area, and in a garbage bin, a Taurus firearm and five 410 ammunition were found.
Gonsalves later turned himself over to the police in the company of his attorney.
The Magistrate remanded Gonsalves to prison until July 12.
Gonsalves along with Grant are currently out on $240,000 bail for his alleged involvement in November 2019, a shootout with the police at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The men were charged for firearm related charges along with discharging a loaded firearm at a police officer.
