Police investigators in Region 9 are probing an armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday in Lethem at a business place. One of the suspects in the robbery has since been discovered dead with gunshot wounds, while another suspect has been taken into custody.
A police report stated that it was just around 2 pm on Tuesday that two armed men entered the business place and held the 27-year-old owner at gunpoint while demanding money.
The business owner handed over $650,000 in Guyanese currency along with some Brazilian money. The suspects escaped the scene on a motorcycle.
The Police were contacted and responded quickly, giving chase behind the suspects. The Police said during their pursuit of the suspects, gunshots were fired in their direction and they returned fire. However, the suspects managed to escape through a flooded bushy area.
A 35-year-old male of Culvert City, Central Rupununi, was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.
The motorcycle that was used in the escape was later recovered.
The Police report said further checks in the area where the motorcycle was discovered, led to the discovery of the body of the 18-year-old suspect, Edward Arjune, who also lived in the Lethem area. The man was taken to the Lethem Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body is presently at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
RECOVERED ITEMS
The Police said a haversack found in the area was searched, and a quantity of Guyana currency and Brazilian reais was recovered. The money was lodged pending investigation.
CCTV footage was observed at the business establishment and is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
A third suspect is being sought.
The incident highlights the risks of armed robbery and the dangers inherent in police pursuit operations in remote areas of Region 9.
