A RANK of the Guyana Police Force is currently under close arrest after shooting a 46-year-old taxi driver, while allegedly pursuing two thieves in the vicinity of Sussex Street, Georgetown on Sunday.

The injured man has been identified as Kenneth Hoyte, a taxi-driver of Tucville, Georgetown. He received two gunshot wounds to his left hand and left knee.

In a statement issued hours after the incident, the Police Force said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Hoyte, which occurred about 09:00hrs on Sunday at Sussex Street, Charlestown, by one of its members.

During the initial stage of the investigation, the rank alleged that he was driving a motorcar south on Saffon Street, Charlestown, with his driving side window glass down, in slow moving traffic, when he was pounced upon by two males, one on a pedal cycle and the other on foot.

He also alleged that the cyclist placed a gun at him and his accomplice snatched his “gold chain with a gold band” before escaping.

The subordinate officer reportedly exited his vehicle and pursued the suspects. According to the rank, it was while chasing after the suspects that they discharged several rounds in his direction, causing him to respond with his licensed firearm.

According to the police, it was then discovered that Hoyte, who was in vicinity of the alleged pursuit, received two gunshot wounds to his left hand and left knee. The taxi driver was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) by the said subordinate officer where he was admitted in stable condition.

“The scene was visited by a senior detective during which it was ascertained that a female passerby found the gold chain, purported to belong to the subordinate officer and handed over same to the police,” the Police Force statement said.

Additionally, it was disclosed that nine spent shells were recovered at the scene.

“As a result of the circumstances, including that the victim who was shot, has indicated to the detectives an incidental narrative of [the] event, which conflicts with that of the subordinate officer; [the officer] has since been detained and his firearm lodged, pending the investigation,” the Force said.