An off-duty police constable was shot and robbed of a gold chain and other valuables and a Chinese businessman was relieved of an undisclosed amount of cash during an armed robbery at a supermarket on Saturday night at Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara.
The police corporal was identified as Colin Hall while the supermarket’s proprietor is a 42-year-old Chinese businessman.
According to the police report, the armed robbery took place at Wang Wang # 2 Supermarket at Lot 1864, Onderneeming at about 7.30 pm on Saturday night. The robbery was committed by two identifiable men, both of whom were armed with handguns. Investigations revealed that at the time of the robbery, the supermarket’s owner and his 41-year-old wife were standing behind the counter conducting business while customers were shopping. A black XR motorcycle rode up and stopped outside the supermarket, and two suspects, both dressed in blue jeans and black hoodies with masks on their faces, dismounted the motorcycle.
One of the suspects ran to the supermarket entrance, held the unarmed security guard at gunpoint, and ordered him to lie on the ground while the other suspect remained at the front, closer to the motorcycle. The other suspect then entered the supermarket and went behind the counter while pointing his firearm in a threatening manner at the Chinese businessman and his wife. He then opened the drawers and took out the cash, which he pushed into his crotch and pockets, and quickly made an exit.
Meanwhile, Hall, who was imbibing at the front of the supermarket, was robbed of his property by the second suspect who had remained at the front of the Supermarket. While robbing Corporal Hall, the suspect discharged a round from his firearm, hitting Hall on the upper part of his left leg. The two suspects then escaped on the motorcycle. Public-spirited citizens rushed Hall to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. His condition is listed as stable.
Detectives processed the scene, and one .32 spent shell was recovered in the vicinity where Hall was standing. Further investigations are in progress.
