Investigations continue into foiled kidnapping
– quick action by  TSU anti-crime unit lauded
QUICK work by the police anti-crime unit of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) on the night of Friday last, assisted by other police ranks, led to the rescue of Accountant Andre Barnes, 26 years of Supply, East Bank Demerara,  after he was kidnapped by three men who demanded a ransom of $50 million for his release.
The Police said one of the suspects has been arrested and an unlicensed Jennings 9 mm. pistol with 10 matching rounds recovered.
It is reported that at about 22:00 hrs last Friday night,  Barnes was sitting in his motor vehicle, PLL 8269, along with his girlfriend outside of her home at West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme in Georgetown, when three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, confronted them and ordered the girlfriend out of the vehicle. The men then placed Barnes in the back seat and drove off the vehicle.
A police statement said the men drove to an unknown destination where they transferred to another vehicle, subsequently taking Barnes to a house where he was handcuffed. Police said the men then used his cell phone to call his mother and demanded a ransom of $50 million to be delivered within six hours for his release, otherwise he would be killed. Two of the men then left leaving Barnes under the guard of the man armed with the firearm.
The matter was reported to the police and prompt action by the TSU anti-crime unit led to the police conducting a search on a house at North Ruimveldt where the victim was found and the suspect arrested and the 9mm. pistol with 10 rounds recovered.
The victim’s motor car, PLL 8269, was later recovered at Princess Street and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
A woman has also been arrested as the investigations continue.