SHEMAR Wilson, one of the key suspects accused of throwing a live grenade outside the office of Kaieteur News on Saffon Street, Georgetown, has fled the jurisdiction, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed. While not disclosing which country the suspect is in, Blanhum told reporters on Saturday that investigators are in contact with officials in that country and he is optimistic that Wilson will be apprehended soon.
In June, police had issued a wanted bulletin for 20-year-old Wilson, called “Abdue.” His addresses were given as Lot 43 North Sophia, Georgetown, and Lot 51 West La Penitence.
On June 15, three men were remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in connection with the incident. It is alleged that on June 4, at Saffon Street, Georgetown, they unlawfully and maliciously conspired together with persons to cause a grenade to explode, which could have endangered lives or cause damage to property.
According to reports, three persons, including the driver, were in a silver-grey Toyota Spacio from which the grenade was thrown. Prior to the attack, the occupants were seen parked in James Street, Albouystown.
When the device was tossed at the publisher’s vehicle, a security staffer had heard an unusual sound near the Lexus SUV which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. Upon checking, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near the right front wheel.
Staffers were, at the time, participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, who had passed away earlier the same day.
Video footage from a Kaieteur News CCTV camera showed the grey Spacio heading north, but slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The vehicle then accelerated after the device was thrown, but later crashed in the vicinity of Norton Street and Mandela Avenue.