A 35-year-old police officer, Lance Corporal Richard Marvin Hayes, was gunned down in broad daylight on Thursday morning during a confrontation with a businessman at Stelling Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

According to police reports, Hayes, who was attached to the Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station, was shot around 09:00hrs by a 37-year-old businessman of Crane Housing Scheme.

The suspect, who operates a cellular phone stall and is a licensed firearm holder, has since been arrested.

Investigations revealed that Hayes and the suspect did not know each other. The police officer had reportedly visited the businessman’s stall a day earlier to enquire about purchasing cellphones and returned Thursday morning, saying he came to buy a phone.

The suspect told investigators that Hayes began behaving aggressively and was asked to leave. It is alleged that Hayes then threw a cellphone heater gun at the businessman, striking him in the chest.

The suspect then drew his licensed .32 Taurus pistol and discharged one round, hitting Hayes in the right side of his chest.

Hayes’ brother, Ron Hayes, who operates a nearby barbershop, heard the gunshot and rushed to the scene. He transported his injured brother to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the officer later succumbed.

Police said the suspect’s firearm and licence were seized and he was processed for gunshot residue.

He remains in custody as an investigation continues.