UPDATE: Newly hired security guard who shot teen was not trained to use firearm

Mohan Mootoo, the 20-year-old security guard who accidentally shot a 15-year-old boy on Wednesday night was never trained to use a firearm, Police Headquarters said in a statement Thursday.

Mootoo only started working as a security guard two weeks ago and is employed by C. Mohan Security Services.

The incident occurred on Robb Street within the vicinity of Bourda Market in Georgetown at about 22:00hrs on Wednesday.

“Mootoo told investigators he is not a Supernumerary Constable and is also not trained to use a Firearm,” Police reported.

According to the report, Mottoo was reportedly “clearing” his 9mm pistol when he accidentally shot himself in his left hand; the bullet exited and hit the 15-year-old who was helping his brother sell at the Bourda Market.

The teen is hospitalised in a stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police said the teen, a school dropout from Newtown, Enmore, East Coast Demerara would normally assist his brother Jagdesh Narine who owns a stall in the market.

Mootoo was performing duty at Narine’s stall when the incident occurred.

“Mootoo said that he took out the firearm from the waist of his pants to ‘clear it’ when a shot accidentally went off, which hit his left palm, exited and hit the 15-year-old victim,” the Police said.

Meanwhile, the service weapon was seized by Police along with 10 live matching rounds.

Mootoo is also hospitalised in a stable condition.