Robbery suspect escapes with cop’s gun – policeman killed by ‘friendly fire’

A robbery suspect under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital late this afternoon managed to escape after snatching a policeman’s gun, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has confirmed.

Persaud, when contacted, told Stabroek News that he was still awaiting details about what exactly transpired but was informed that a rank was “shot in friendly fire”.

The rank, who has since been identified as Silburn Elias, has died while receiving treatment in the hospital’s emergency unit. This newspaper understands that he sustained about four bullet wounds.

Meanwhile, the hunt is still on in the Alberttown area for the suspect.

The escape occurred around 6 pm.