POLICE in Regional Division #7 are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during a joint service operation at Quartzstone Backdam, Region 7, which resulted in the death of Shemar Latif (age unknown at this time) of Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast.

The operation was conducted in an effort to apprehend a wanted fugitive and his alleged accomplices in connection with serious offences within the division.

During the exercise, ranks reportedly encountered Latif, who is suspected to be one of the accomplices.

Police attempted to engage him, however, the suspect who was armed with a handgun discharged several rounds at the ranks while attempting to evade arrest.

Ranks took evasive action and returned fire, during which Latif sustained injuries.

A 9mm pistol, six live rounds of ammunition and several 9mm spent shells were recovered at the scene. The injured suspect was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing. (GPF)