Tuschen security guard killed in robbery at supermarket

Paul Waterman, a security guard and resident of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo was shot dead allegedly by three male bandits who robbed the People Supermarket at Vreed-en- Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Police Headquarters in a statement on Monday related that the incident occurred at about 15:00 hrs. The three perpetrators were identifiable men; two were armed with handguns.

Waterman was reportedly armed with a .32 Taurus pistol with ten matching rounds of ammunition. At the time of the incident, the three suspects entered the supermarket and held Waterman at gunpoint along with the supermarket’s proprietors, 49-year-old Ping Xian Lin, and his wife, 43-year-old Li Yan Ohen.

The suspects then took an undisclosed amount of cash, a quantity of  Digicel and GTT phone cards, one cellphone and one DVR.

During the armed robbery, however, a scuffle ensued between Waterman and one of the suspects. It was reported that the suspect involved in the altercation discharged a round that hit Waterman and caused him to fall to the ground.

Waterman was then relieved of his firearm and cell phone.

The suspects proceeded to rob the supermarket and then made their escape by running north through Evergreen Street towards Best Village.

Waterman was later rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The scene was visited by the Police Commander for Regional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, Regional Detective Officer Assistant  Superintendent Jermaine Grant and other Ranks. The scene was processed and one .32 spent shell was recovered from the area.

Investigations continue.