In a brazen act of crime that has left the community of Sophia, Greater Georgetown on edge, a young soldier of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) fell victim to an armed robbery on Thursday evening. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 PM on February 20, 2025, has prompted an immediate police investigation and raised concerns about public safety in the area.
Terrie McCalmon, a 21-year-old Private of the GDF and resident of Sophia, was cleaning his motorcycle in front of his yard when the attack took place. The assailant, described as an identifiable male armed with a handgun, approached McCalmon from the western direction of the street.
According to police reports, the perpetrator brandished the weapon and demanded that McCalmon surrender his motorcycle. Fearing for his life, the young soldier fled into his yard, leaving behind his red and white XR motorcycle, valued at $495,000. The vehicle, which carried a Trade Plate (MR 2), had its key in the ignition at the time of the robbery.
Seizing the opportunity, the armed robber swiftly mounted the motorcycle and made his escape, heading eastward. The rapid sequence of events left little time for intervention, and the suspect successfully fled the scene with the stolen vehicle.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of armed robberies in the Georgetown area. Just hours earlier, in a separate but equally alarming event, a 53-year-old teacher was robbed and shot in Turkeyen while constructing a Mashramani costume with his wife. These occurrences highlight the pressing need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance.
Law enforcement officials have launched a full-scale investigation into the robbery. They are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the stolen motorcycle to come forward and assist with the ongoing inquiry.
The robbery has sparked discussions among residents about the need for increased police patrols and community-based security initiatives in Sophia and surrounding areas. Local authorities are expected to address these concerns in the coming days as they work to apprehend the suspect and recover the stolen property.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating armed robberies and ensuring the safety of citizens. The community of Sophia, along with the wider Georgetown area, remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this case and a reduction in similar crimes in the future.
