POLICE are investigating a dramatic incident on the East Coast of Demerara where two armed men were captured by residents while their accomplices fled on motorcycles. Two firearms were recovered at the scene.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday at approximately 9:17 AM when a 35-year-old contractor from Lusignan observed a suspicious white wagon parked near his workshop in Annandale. Alerted by the unusual activity, the contractor contacted his workers and warned them of a potential threat.
Shortly thereafter, three men in dark hooded clothing, armed with cutlasses, exited the vehicle and began approaching the workshop. Upon noticing the contractor’s workers, the men retreated to the vehicle and fled at high speed.

At about 12:10 AM on January 15, the contractor spotted four men on two motorcycles behaving suspiciously in the village. Alarmed by the sight of firearms in their possession, he raised the alarm, rallying his neighbours. Together, they pursued the men.
During the chase, one of the suspects fired a shotgun at the contractor’s vehicle, damaging the right front wheel. Despite this, the determined group continued their pursuit. The chase ended when a pillion rider fell from one of the motorcycles, followed by another falling from the second motorcycle. The remaining suspects escaped.

At the scene, residents secured the suspects and discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22 Beretta pistol with a partially defaced serial number. One of the suspects, who refused to provide his identity, sustained a suspected gunshot wound to his right abdomen. Emergency Medical Technicians from the Melanie Fire Station provided initial care before he was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation under police guard, where his condition remains serious.

The second suspect, identified as 30-year-old Shawn Jones of 387 Pennylane Street, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was arrested and taken into custody. Detectives, Anti-Crime Patrol units, and crime scene ranks responded promptly to process the scene.
Evidence collected included eight suspected 9mm spent shells. The recovered firearms were examined, sealed in firearm boxes, and lodged for further analysis. Both suspects’ hands, as well as the contractor’s, were swabbed for gunshot residue (GSR).
The police, who were notified of the incident at 12:15 AM, are currently obtaining statements from witnesses and continuing their investigation into the case. The incident underscores the courage of the residents and highlights the community’s role in assisting law enforcement efforts.