Bandit shot after robbing money changer, injuring bystander in G/Town

A 24-year-old man is currently hospitalised after being shot by a money changer, whom he had robbed in Georgetown on Friday evening.

The incident occurred around 19:34 hours at America and Longden Streets, Georgetown, during which the bandit also injured a bystander.

According to police, a 35-year-old money changer/businessman of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was plying his trade on America Street while seated on his motorcycle when two suspects rode up on a black XR motorcycle from an eastern direction. The pillion rider then dismounted, approached the victim, pointed a handgun in his direction and demanded money.

The armed suspect relieved the victim of $200,000, which was in his right-side pants pocket. As he was about to rejoin the waiting motorcycle, the bandit discharged three rounds in the victim’s direction, during which a 41-year-old maintenance worker of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was nearby, was struck on his right leg.

The money changer, who is a licensed firearm holder, discharged two rounds in the direction of the armed bandit, who was struck and fell to the ground. The injured suspect subsequently got up and made good his escape south along Longden Street, while the rider escaped west along America Street.

The injured bystander was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he is receiving treatment. His condition is listed as stable.

Meanwhile, police in Regional Division 4 ‘A’ (Georgetown) subsequently went to the same hospital, where an injured 24-year-old male of Tucville, Georgetown, was seen receiving medical attention under guard. His condition is also listed as stable.

Two .32 spent shells and three 9mm spent shells were recovered from the scene and lodged for examination. Checks are being made for the other suspect.

Investigations are ongoing.