Duo held over shooting of city businessman during robbery released

Selson Prescott
Selson Prescott

The two men who were detained by the police for questioning in relation to the robbery of businessman Selson Prescott, who was shot and robbed of millions while on his way to a city bank on Monday on Regent Street in Georgetown, have been released from custody.

According to Commander of ‘A’ Marlon Chapman, the men were released upon the expiry of the 72-hours detention period in which they could be held without charge.

He said further investigations will be conducted in the matter.

Chapman had previously told this newspaper that the men were taken into custody on Monday afternoon, shortly after the attack.

Prescott, a resident of Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, was shot once in his abdomen during the robbery, which took place around 1.30 pm.

He was taken to a city private hospital, where he has since undergone emergency surgery. He remained hospitalised up to yesterday. His condition is listed a stable.

This newspaper was previously told that Prescott was proceeding on motorcycle CD 80 along the northern carriageway of Regent Street when he noticed the gunman disembark a motorcycle, which was parked on the opposite side of the road, and walk into his path, forcing him to stop.

The gunman then whipped out a firearm and demanded that Selson hand over his bag, which was across his shoulder.

Prescott reportedly refused and a scuffle ensued between him and his attacker.

During the scuffle, the gunman discharged a round which struck Prescott. The gunman then escaped on the motorcycle with his accomplice.

Selwyn Prescott, proprietor of city photo processing studio Pressy Enterprise, had explained to Stabroek News that at the time of the attack, Selson, his eldest son, had just left the Pressy outlet on Regent Street and was on his way to the nearby GBTI bank. “He (Selson) had lots of money with him,” Selwyn had said

He said Selson had millions of dollar in cash, which he was going to deposit into the bank.

The bandits managed to escape with the bag containing the cash.

Selwyn believed his son was shot after he put up a resistance with his attacker.