–Company offering reward for their capture

By Rabindra Rooplall
BANDITS in a black Toyota Raum on Monday trailed a security van making night deposits; one of the guards was shot, and a bag containing an undisclosed sum was stolen when the guard exited the vehicle in front of Demerara Bank at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.This was confirmed by Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman, who said the incident occurred at 19:45hrs, and 24-year-old Damian Pearce, the guard who was shot, is at present hospitalized.

Commander Chapman said the security guards doing the night deposits did not get a chance to return fire. The other security guard on duty was identified as 22-year-old Cleveland Pyle.

Reports disclosed that Pearce, who resides in Linden and is attached to R.K’s Security Services, was shot to his left foot. Police said the perpetrator also relieved the guards of two .32 revolvers with 10 rounds, and escaped in a motorcar driven by an accomplice.

The security vehicle had collected cash from businesses in Mahaica before visiting various banks. Upon arrival at Demerara Bank at Le Ressouvenir, to make the cash deposit, a man exited a dark coloured vehicle which was in the vicinity and attacked the guards.

Pearce was walking towards the bank at the time to make the deposit when he was shot before being relieved of the bag.

Chief Executive Officer of RK’s Security Services, Roshan Khan, disclosed that he is placing a $250,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.

Khan said criminals need to be dealt with condignly. “Our injured rank will be protected, and our clients’ money is insured…The police will do their work, and I believe they will quickly apprehend the bandits. I have faith in the police.”

He added, “It’s a sad period in the country when criminals can think that they rule and can hurt people and take their properties.”