AFTER nearly a year on the run, wanted fugitive, Elijah Batista Clarke, has been recaptured by police in Guyana. Clarke, a miner, was arrested yesterday at Sandhill Backdam, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, during a police operation related to an alleged unlawful wounding incident.

Clarke, who escaped from the Vigilance Police Station on July 24, 2024, had been the subject of a Wanted Bulletin issued by the Guyana Police Force. His arrest came as police ranks were responding to a report involving a violent attack on a Venezuelan national.

According to police, the incident occurred around 03:30 hrs on June 16 at Sandhill Landing. The 30-year-old victim, Mariana Sanchez, a cook who resides in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, and at Sandhill Backdam, was returning to her room with a male Amerindian companion when Clarke allegedly confronted them.
Reports indicate that Clarke, under the influence of alcohol, demanded $15,000 from the victim’s companion.
When the man refused, Clarke allegedly launched an unprovoked physical assault, punching him several times in the face. Sanchez attempted to intervene but was violently attacked with a bottle, resulting in injuries to her head and face.

Although public-spirited residents initially detained Clarke at the scene, he managed to flee into nearby bushes before police arrived.
At approximately 13:00 hrs, while en route to the location, responding officers spotted Clarke in the Sandhill district carrying a multi-coloured haversack. He again attempted to escape but was pursued and captured by police ranks.

A search of Clarke’s belongings revealed 24 ziplock parcels containing what appeared to be marijuana. The suspected narcotics were later weighed at the Bartica Police Station in Clarke’s presence and amounted to 27.5 grams.

Clarke was positively identified by Sanchez as her attacker. She confirmed that while she and her companion were injured, nothing was stolen during the incident.
The fugitive is currently in custody at the Bartica Police Station as investigations continue. He is expected to face multiple charges, including unlawful wounding, possession of narcotics, and escaping lawful custody.