Five in custody for armed robbery, one shot during arrest

Five men are now in police custody after allegedly robbing a Chinese national at gunpoint on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at Chappel Street, between Durban and Hadfield Streets, Lodge, Georgetown.

Police did not name the victim but said at about 15:03h on Saturday, the victim was driving a minibus along Chappel Street when his path was blocked by a black Toyota Auris motor car. Two motorcycles reportedly rode up and held him at gunpoint. He was relieved of a bag. The police did not disclose the contents of the bag.

The suspects fled the scene. However, with the aid of the Smart City surveillance cameras, police ranks tracked the movements of the suspects and the vehicles used in the alleged robbery. The motorcycles were later seen in James Street, Albouystown, where the suspects reportedly joined the black Toyota Auris motor car and proceeded into Bel Air, Georgetown.

Police ranks later intercepted the motor car in Eping Avenue, Bel Air. During the operation, one suspect, a 22-year-old male of ‘E’ Field, Sophia, allegedly pulled a firearm from his waist and pointed it at a police rank, who discharged a round and injured him to his left thigh. He was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted a patient under guard. His condition is listed as stable.

Four other suspects, an 18-year-old male of Cooper Street, Albouystown; a 19-year-old male of Durban and Smyth Streets; a 26-year-old mason of Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt and a 19-year-old male of Middle Road, La Penitence, were arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station, where they remain in custody.

A Glock 17 pistol along with three 9mm rounds of ammunition were recovered and lodged. The motor car and motorcycles used in the alleged robbery were also lodged.

Efforts are presently being made to contact the victim as investigations continue.