A young man is currently in police custody as investigators focus on a shooting incident that left 31-year-old taxi driver Shaheed Amanat, also known as ‘Ryan,’ in critical condition. The incident occurred late Monday night near the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Triumph, East Coast Demerara.
According to police reports, the shooting happened around 11:45 PM while Amanat, a resident of Annandale, was driving a motor vehicle accompanied by a young man who is now a suspect in the case. Initial investigations suggest that Amanat’s car was pursued by several motorcyclists when a loud sound was heard, leading to the right-side window of the vehicle shattering. Shortly after, Amanat reportedly lost consciousness, resulting in the vehicle veering off the road and colliding with a metal railing. He was transported to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Police have obtained CCTV footage of the incident, which has raised questions about the suspect’s initial account of the events. Sources indicate that the video evidence does not align with the story provided by the suspect, prompting law enforcement to detain him for further questioning. Notably, the suspect is believed to be a licensed firearm holder.
Reports suggest that Amanat and the suspect had been drinking earlier that night and decided to travel to another location along the East Coast. While driving, they allegedly encountered a group of men on motorcycles, which led to an exchange between the car occupants and the motorcyclists. Afterward, Amanat reportedly sped away, with the motorcyclists in pursuit, eventually leading to a confrontation at a bar.
Following their departure from the bar, Amanat and the suspect discovered that the motorcyclists were following them again. During the chase, it is suspected that the suspect fired a weapon at the motorcyclists, accidentally striking Amanat in the process.
The investigation is ongoing, with Amanat remaining hospitalized in critical condition as authorities work to unravel the events that led to this tragic incident.
