Sophia man arrested with unlicensed semi-automatic firearm

Akeem Bristol, a 27-year-old vendor who resides at North Sophia Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown was arrested in the wee hours of Thursday with an unlicensed semi-automatic firearm.

A statement from Police Headquarters noted that ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station were on patrol duty in the North Sophia area at around 00:40 hrs when they observed a man riding a bicycle, with a cart attached, through a cross street.

On seeing the ranks, the man hopped off the cycle and attempted to run, but due to the quick response by the ranks, they were able to apprehend the individual, who gave his name as Akeem Bristol.

The ranks searched Bristol but nothing illegal was found. They then searched the ‘cart’ on his cycle and found a black plastic bag containing one Uzi semi-automatic machine gun, with an empty magazine, one Guyana Identification card and a Citizens Bank card, both in favour of Akeem Bristol.

Bristol was asked if he was the holder of a firearm license, and he said ‘No’.

He was told of the offence committed and cautioned, after which he said: “Sir, I find it in a trench on Sophia Road”.

He was arrested and escorted to the Alberttown Police Station where the Firearm was examined and no serial number was found on the frame.

The firearm was lodged and is to be taken to the Ballistics section for examination. Bristol was placed in custody as investigations continue.