THE police have arrested a suspect in connection with the armed robbery committed against a 21-year-old labourer of No. 58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday night at around 21:00 hours.

Police, in a statement, noted that Eric Haripersaud called ‘Mikey’, was walking home after leaving a birthday party in the community, when the suspect, identified as ‘Rasta’, accosted him from behind and placed a cutlass on the left side of his neck.

The victim claimed that the suspect relieved him of a Samsung Galaxy S (5) cellular phone without sim valued $28,000 and $15,000 in cash. In the process, the victim received a chop wound to the neck.

Police said the victim then picked up a piece of wood and tried to defend himself during which the suspect fled the scene. The victim then raised an alarm and told his friends what had happened; he was then taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was seen by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away.

The victim reported the robbery to the Springlands Police Station and at around 01:30 hours on Monday, police contacted the suspect at his home where he was told of the allegation, cautioned and arrested.

A search was carried out at the home of the suspect for the stolen items, but none was found. He remains in custody assisting with the investigation.