Reg. 6 RDC robbery: Police identify suspected bandit who was shot dead

As investigations into this week’s $50 million robbery at the Regional Democratic Office (RDC) in Region Six continue, Police Headquarters has identified the suspected bandit who was shot dead as Kevin Vanlewin, a 19-year-old farmer from Sandhill, Berbice.

Vanlewin was shot during a Police chase on Wednesday. Police Officers were pursuing five suspects in a vehicle, PSS 3448, when they came under fire. The Police returned fire, wounding Valewin.

Another suspect, who was injured in the shootout, is at the Georgetown Public Hospital receiving medical attention. Police previously reported that Lawrence Vanlewyn, another suspect, was apprehended on Wednesday.

Police also said a woman, who has not been identified, and the driver of the vehicle, who was previously identified as Tarrique Pollard, are in custody assisting with the investigations.

The robbery occurred at around 03:10 hrs. At the time, four security guards were on duty. Police Headquarters said four unidentifiable men entered the compound from the eastern fence and dealt one of the guards, Suresh Sooknanan, 60, a lash to his forehead.

Sooknanan then made his way to the front of the compound where he informed his colleagues what transpired. Those colleagues untied him and the matter was reported to the Police. Sooknanan was later escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital to seek medical attention.

Upon checking the building, Police said it was discovered that two windows from the department were open. The cash which was stolen was kept in the Accounts Department of the building.