Accused in Kaieteur News grenade attack shot dead

Leroy Williams called ‘Buxton’, one of the three suspects in the 2016 grenade attack on the Kaieteur News, died on Wednesday night, hours after he was shot by an armed security guard.

Police Headquarters said the shooting unfolded at about 19:10hrs at a hotel on the corners of Robb and Cummings Street, Georgetown.

Williams was allegedly shot by a 48-year-old security guard attached to the Castle Security Service. He was armed with a 9mm Glock pistol which had 17 rounds of ammunition.

Police said the security firm provides services to Nova Gaming, which is located on the lower flat of the hotel.

According to a Police report, another guard who is employed with the security company, related that around 18:30hrs he was on duty at the front door of the gaming shop when he observed Williams, 34, of D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, entered and approached a female staff.

“The guard said an argument ensued between the female staff member and Williams during which Williams held on to the female staff and attempted to snatch the chain that she was wearing around her neck,” Police Headquarters said in a statement.

This caused the guard to approach Williams and warned him to desist from his behaviour.

“Williams then threw a glass bottle at him, which hit him on the side of his head. Williams then pulled out a knife from the waist of his pants and ‘cut’  him on his right side ear, causing it to bleed,” Police added.

As a result of the injuries he sustained, the guard went to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Thereafter, Police said Williams ran out of the building. During the process, he allegedly threatened to return and kill the guard as well as the female.

After a few minutes, Police said Williams returned to the building armed with a knife and attempted to enter.

“This time, he was confronted by a 48-year-old security guard, who was on duty at the front door of the building. The guard stopped him and told him he could not enter because of his violent behaviour towards the guard’s 37-year-old co-worker whom he injured earlier,” Police explained.

Police said Williams rushed to the 48-year-old-security guard with the knife in his hand.

And in retaliation, the guard drew his firearm and discharged a round which struck Williams.

Williams managed to run a short distance before he collapsed on the roadway.

He was picked up by a public-spirited person and taken to the GPHC. He succumbed around 20:06hrs while receiving medical attention.

Police have arrested the security guard as the investigation continues.

His firearm and the ammunition was also lodged.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Williams along with two others are accused of conspiring with other persons to cause an explosion by way of throwing a grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property at the Kaieteur News office.

The incident had occurred on June 4, 2016, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

In June 2017, the trio were committed to stand trial in the High Court.