POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the robbery of 25-year-old Leroy DeSantos, a barber of Ocean View, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Tuesday night at around 20:00hrs at Crane, WCD. Reports indicate that DeSantos and some friends were imbibing alcohol at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), when he joined a white Toyota 192 hire car, HB 3949, to head home. The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 25-year-old of Linden. On the way home, DeSantos reportedly fell asleep, and upon reaching Crane, the taxi driver turned into Old Road, stopped the car, and allegedly attempted to steal a gold chain the passenger was wearing.

Unfortunately for the taxi driver, DeSantos awoke while he was attempting to steal his belongings, and in the scuffle which ensued, the chain burst, leaving both men with a piece in his hand. Now fully awake, DeSantos exited the car, while the driver tried to beat a hasty retreat, but lost control of the vehicle and landed in a nearby trench. Later when DeSantos checked his pockets, he realised that his wallet with some $50,000 in it was missing, and reported the matter to the police. When the taxi driver, who turned out to be a policeman, was found and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, a few pieces of the gold chain were found in his possession. He has since been placed in custody, while his vehicle has been impounded, pending further investigation of the matter.