THE police are investigating an alleged robbery under arms committed on Aubrey Benjamin, a 45-year-old gold miner of Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, around 02:45hrs on Sunday.

According to the police, Benjamin was allegedly relieved of one 38 penny-weight gold chain valued at $300,000 and one black Taurus 9mm pistol with 10 matching 9mm rounds while he was at Tya’s Bar-b-Que and Cheese Please, located at 10th Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme.

The suspect is a slim-built male about 5ft 10 inches tall and he was armed with a handgun.

“Enquiries disclosed that the victim was at the business place mentioned above, located at the corners of the Diamond Public Access Road and 10th Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme.

“According to the victim, he was inside the business place with two friends, a 34-year-old architect and a 33-year-old contractor, consuming alcoholic beverages. They then exited the shop and were standing outside, about to leave and go home. The victim at the time was armed with his licensed firearm.”

“The perpetrator came up behind him, snatched his chain from his neck and said: ‘I taking this.’ The perpetrator also drew a gun from his waist and discharged rounds in his direction, hitting him on his left shoulder. Benjamin’s two friends also received gunshot wounds, one on his left upper thigh and the other on his lower right leg. Benjamin tried to run away in the southern direction, and whilst doing so, he tried to draw his firearm to defend himself but fell to the ground due to his injury. The suspect then took his firearm and escaped in an unknown direction,” the police said.

Benjamin then entered his car and proceeded to the Golden Grove Police Station, where he made a report. After that, he and his two friends were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they received medical attention. Their conditions are all listed as stable.

Several persons were contacted and interviewed by the police. The area was also canvassed for CCTV cameras. Checks were made for the perpetrator but he was not found.