Police yesterday morning in Charlestown shot an alleged thief twice in his back after he and several others reportedly broke into a businessman’s workshop some time between Saturday and yesterday morning and carted away several pieces of mining equipment and other items.

Clement Smith, 27, of Lot 46 Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara was, up to press time, a patient under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police have also arrested two three other persons including two females in the theft of the equipment. Police have not issued an official statement on the shooting, but residents of Sussex Street, Charlestown told Stabroek News that police cornered the man around 5:30 yesterday morning and he attempted to flee from them, resulting in him being shot.

Hugh Brian October, whose workshop – HBO Creole Corner located in west Ruimveldt – was broken into told Stabroek News yesterday that he had secured his business place around 5 pm Saturday and gone home. He said when he returned yesterday morning around 5:30 he noticed that the building was broken into and several pieces of heavy-duty equipment were missing. October said he immediately contacted the police and reported the matter. Shortly after he heard that one of the suspects had been shot.

October said that he had experienced a number of break-ins at both of his premises on Regent Street and in West Ruimveldt in the past. He said that several reports were made to the police. Stabroek News was told that most of the stolen equipment had been recovered and lodged at the Brickdam Police Station.