RANKS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are investigating the alleged discharging of a loaded firearm with intent committed on Jianqing Chen, a 50-year-old Chinese businessman.

According to a police statement, Chen is the owner of First Choice Supermarket located on the northern side of Durban Street. Chen is also the owner of a grey Nissan motorcar bearing Registration Number PAG #4518.

The statement said that the incident occurred at about 00:07 hours on Tuesday. October 8, outside the supermarket and that the suspect is said to be a male on a black motorcycle (registration number unknown) who was armed with a handgun.

It added that a 26-year-old security guard attached to the supermarket told investigators he was on duty at the time (in the guard hut) when he observed Chen in his motorcar, which was parked in front of the supermarket. He reportedly overheard Chen arguing with someone on his phone.

A short while later, the security guard related that he heard several loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots. He then observed and saw the suspect riding away at a fast rate, heading west on Durban Street.

He also observed that Chen’s hand was out of the vehicle door. He went up to the car and observed Chen in the driver’s seat, covered in blood.

According to the statement, he immediately called Marvin Crawford, a 49-year-old businessman who owns the guard service, and told him what had transpired. Shortly after, Crawford arrived at the location and took Chen to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted as a patient and is slated to undergo surgery. His condition was listed as serious.

The scene was processed and three 9MM spent shells were found. Police also found an iPhone which was on the driver’s seat.

Investigations are ongoing.