City constable shoots robber after attack on pensioner

A man known to police was yesterday shot by a city constable after he stole a pensioner’s wallet and attempted to flee.

Mark Moseley is currently hospitalised under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he was eventually taken for treatment.

Stabroek News was told that the incident took place just before 4pm along the Avenue of the Republic, after the pensioner had just left a money changer.

It is believed that the elderly man, who was visibly shaken by the ordeal, was followed after conducting his transaction. His wallet, which was found on Moseley, was subsequently returned to him.

Assistant Superintendent of Police at the City Constabulary Cheryl Bovell related that a rank, who was in the vicinity, responded to shouts of “thief,” which came from public-spirited persons.

“On hearing the shouts, the corporal observed a known character running east along Avenue of the Republic and he called out at him to stop running. ‘Stop! Stop! Stop! Or I will shoot!’ He paid the corporal no heed and proceeded,” the officer recounted.

City constables trying to control the shot robbery suspect as he made attempts to escape yesterday in the City Hall compound. (Photo by Keno George)

She went on to explain that it was at this point that the officer opened fire, resulting in Moseley being shot. Stabroek News was told that both of Moseley’s feet were injured after the bullet pierced his left foot and exited into the right.

Public-spirited citizens, who were also a part of the chase, assisted in taking him to the City Constabulary, where he was taken into custody. He was later transferred to the GPH for medical attention.

Although injured, Moseley behaved disorderly and made attempts to disarm a city constable while he was at the constabulary, Bovell said.

“While he was in custody, he behaved disorderly. He attempted to take away the weapon from one of the ranks, jumped over the counter and made threats to kill officers and he saying this ain’t done here,” Bovell told reporters.

As he was brought out of the constabulary and placed into a vehicle to be taken to the hospital, Bovell tried to escape. It took the combined strength of a group of officers to control him as he resisted efforts to handcuff him. He also made efforts to jump out of the vehicle and attempted to bite one of the constables.

He was later handed over to ranks of the Guyana Police Force, after they responded to reports of the shooting.

Meanwhile, City Hall Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis said the council commended the constabulary for apprehending the suspect, who is known to be involved in criminal activities. She praised the constables for their bravery and professional service despite the challenges they were faced with.