Businessman shoots ex-tenant to avoid being set on fire

A businessman is currently in police custody after he allegedly discharged several shots at a former tenant, who allegedly doused him with a flammable liquid and attempted to set him alight yesterday morning during a confrontation along Regent Street, Georgetown.

Police said the shooting occurred between 9 am and 9.30 am yesterday along Regent Street, between Albert and Light streets, during which Chezley Tyndall, 50, a taxi driver of Lot 809 Block V, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara was shot to his left hand and left foot.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he is presently admitted in a stable condition.

The suspect, who has been identified as 42-year-old businessman John Ramanand, of 109 Thomas Street, Kitty, was apprehended after the attack.

Ramanand is a licensed firearm holder. His weapon has since been seized by police.

A police source told Stabroek News that Tyndall and Ramanand are known to each other as Tyndall previously rented an apartment owned by Ramanand.

This newspaper was also told that Ramanand was in a store along Regent Street when he was confronted by Tyndall, who was at the time allegedly carrying a bottle containing a flammable substance, suspected to be gasoline.

Tyndall then threw the suspected substance on Ramanand and told him “I gon kill you today!” He then allegedly pulled out a lighter in a bid to set Ramanand on fire.

In fear for his life, Ramanand reportedly drew his firearm and discharged several rounds at Tyndall, hitting him to his left hand and left foot.