—was receiving medical attention

One of two men, believed to be Venezuelan nationals, who robbed a Corentyne hotel owner on Friday died yesterday at the Skeldon Hospital while receiving medical attention.

Robielkis Rubrigel Montee De Oca Arias together with another man had rented a room on Friday at the Malinmar Hotel at No. 78 Village, Corentyne owned by Rahat Ally, 46.

The had taken the room at 5.30 pm and according to a police press release at about 7pm  the men complained that the shower was not functioning and insisted that the owner accompany them to look at the problem.

As Ally entered the room one of the men, who had a firearm, held him at gunpoint and a scuffle ensued during which Ally was hit about the body with the firearm and a round was discharged.

The statement went on to say that Ally’s wife, Maureen, and an employee were alerted by the sound of the gunshot. They both went upstairs to investigate and the two men ran out of the hotel, jumped over a back gate and headed for the area where some boats were moored.

It was reported, the police said, that one of the men fell and hit himself when they jumped over the gate of the hotel compound.

At the river the duo entered one of the boats and attempted to start the engine whereupon personnel from the Berbice Anti Smuggling Squad (BASS) who were in the vicinity discharged rounds into the air to deter them.

The release said that at the same time police ranks who had responded promptly to the report arrived at the scene and arrested the two men who were taken into custody. The firearm was not located.

The police release further said that one of the men, Robielkis Rubrigel Montee De Oca Arias, had a wound over his left eye and at approximately 10.10pm on Friday he was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

At about 11am yesterday, the release continued, police ranks observed that Montee De Oca Arias was panting for breath and as a consequence took him back to the Skeldon Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. A post mortem examination is to be conducted on the body.