Geddes Grant armed robbery accused slapped with gun, ammo charges

A man, who allegedly attempted to rob Geddes Grant at Strand, New Amsterdam, of $1,325,740 and was remanded to jail on the charge of robbery under arms, yesterday faced two additional charges.

Dwayne Harris of Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was further remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Chandra Sohan at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

Police Prosecutor Inspec-tor Donna Fraser Grant told the court that on April 2 last, shortly after 5.20 pm, Harris had in his possession a .38 revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The prosecutor further told the court that on the same day he had in his possession three live .38 rounds without being the holder of a licence.

Harris was earlier charged with robbery under arms along with his alleged accomplice Courtney Patterson, 37, a taxi driver of Lot 68 Glasgow Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam. Patterson was allowed bail in the sum of $200,000.

When the duo had appeared before Magistrate Krishndat Persaud on April 6, Harris was denied bail after Police Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent

Faizal Karimbaksh pointed to the nature, gravity and prevalence of offences in which firearms are used.

The officer had further informed the court that the police were continuing their investigation into the incident and additional charges would be laid.

Karimbaksh had alleged that Patterson, a taxi driver, took Harris to Berbice on April 2, and had him stay at a house in Stanleytown where the robbery scheme was hatched.

According to reports, a man armed with a gun, and riding a bicycle, confronted Jacqueline Rambali, an accounts clerk employed by the business entity, and an unarmed security guard as they exited their building to make a deposit at Republic Bank across the street. The robber fired his weapon, but the bullet missed the guard, who fell to the ground and the thief grabbed two safety deposit bags containing the cash.

The man then allegedly ditched the bicycle and the gun as a GEB vehicle approached and joined a car which had been parked near a bar, a short distance away. However, the car developed mechanical difficulties, and the police who had been summoned, arrested the robbers.

The men are expected to return to court on May 11 for report.