Teacher, 53, robbed and shot by bandit at Turkeyen home

A robbery in the early hours of Thursday at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara saw an armed bandit pounce on Shawn Thomas, a 53-year-old teacher.

According to reports, Thomas and his wife, a 28-year-old teacher, were in their yard constructing a costume for Mashramani when the incident took place. The couple was working on their project within the confines of their concrete-fenced property when Thomas placed a black side bag, containing $250,000, on the western door of their house.

At this time, an identifiable male suspect, armed with a handgun in his right hand, jumped over the northern fence and approached Thomas. The suspect demanded that the victim hand over the money. In fear, Thomas informed the suspect that the cash was in his bag. The suspect then grabbed the bag containing the money.

As the suspect was attempting to leave, Thomas raised an alarm, which prompted the suspect to discharge a round from his firearm. The bullet struck Thomas in the right upper thigh. The suspect then jumped back over the fence and fled the scene on foot with the stolen cash.

Thomas’s wife quickly rushed him to a private hospital in the city, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. Thankfully, his condition is reported to be stable.

Investigations are ongoing, and several individuals have been questioned in relation to the robbery. Police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the suspect responsible for this violent crime.