A brazen robbery under arms at the busy intersection of America and Longden Streets, Georgetown, on Friday evening left a bystander injured and prompted a gunfight between a money changer and the attackers, with one suspect now in custody and another still at large.
The victim, a 35-year-old businessman and money changer from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was seated on his motorcycle conducting trade at about 19:34hrs when two men on a black XR motorcycle approached, according to police.
Investigators said the pillion rider dismounted, pointed a handgun at the victim, and demanded cash before allegedly relieving him of $200,000 Guyana currency from his right-side pants pocket.
As the suspects attempted to flee, the gunman discharged several rounds in the direction of the victim, striking a 41-year-old maintenance worker of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was nearby, in the right leg.
Police said the money changer, who is a licensed firearm holder, returned fire, striking the pillion rider, who fell to the ground before managing to escape on foot south along Longden Street. The motorcycle rider also fled west along America Street.
The injured bystander was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he is listed in stable condition. A 24-year-old man of Tucville, Georgetown, later presented himself at the hospital under police guard with injuries and is also reported to be stable.
Officers recovered two .32 spent shells and three 9mm spent shells at the scene, which have been lodged for examination. Checks are ongoing for the outstanding suspect as investigations continue.
