POLICE in Regional Division #9 are investigating an alleged armed robbery at a business establishment in Lethem that has left one suspect dead, another in custody, and a third still at large, following a reported exchange of gunfire with law enforcement on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 14:00hrs on May 26, 2026, at a shop in Lethem, Central Rupununi, and involved a 27-year-old businessman of Tabatinga, Lethem, who was reportedly robbed of approximately $650,000 in Guyana currency along with an undisclosed sum in Brazilian reais.
According to preliminary police investigations, the victim was inside his business place when two males entered the premises, one allegedly armed with a handgun.
The suspects reportedly approached the cashier area, pointed the firearm at the businessman, and demanded cash.
Fearing for his life, the victim complied, handing over the money. The suspects then fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by a third male who had been waiting outside.
Police ranks responded swiftly and pursued the suspects in the direction of their escape.
During the operation, the suspects allegedly discharged rounds at pursuing officers, who returned fire. The suspects subsequently escaped into a flooded and densely bushy area.
During follow-up operations, police arrested a 35-year-old male of Culvert City, Central Rupununi, who remains in custody assisting with investigations.
The motorcycle used in the alleged robbery, which bore no registration number, along with two helmets believed to have been used during the crime, were recovered and lodged as evidence.
Further searches led officers to an area behind Plastic City, Bon Success, Tabatinga, Lethem, where Edward Arjune, also known as “Black Spanish,” an 18-year-old unemployed resident of Lethem, was found unresponsive with suspected gunshot injuries.
He was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
The body remains at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Police also recovered a haversack from the area containing a quantity of Guyana currency and Brazilian reais, which has since been lodged as evidence.
CCTV footage from the business establishment has been retrieved and is currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspect involved in the incident.
Investigations are continuing.
