In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Monday night, two suspected bandits were apprehended following a daring robbery at the Tide Restaurant and Bar in La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. The arrest came after their getaway vehicle crashed in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, leading to the rescue of a 15-year-old girl who had been abducted during the crime spree.
The Guyana Police Force successfully captured two of the five suspects involved in the robbery. The arrested individuals were identified as Perciven ‘Barban’ Aaron, 21, a labourer from Thomas Street, Georgetown, and Isaiah ‘Pranks’ Bowen, 19, from Church Street, Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara.
According to police reports, the incident began around 11 PM when the armed suspects stormed the property of Richard Ghanshan, 59, the proprietor of Tide Restaurant and Bar. Ghanshan, who was tending to his dogs in the backyard after closing his business, was confronted by the assailants demanding cash and jewelry. In the ensuing struggle, one of the suspects reportedly struck Ghanshan multiple times with a cutlass, causing head injuries.
The bandits then forced their way into the upper floor of the building, where they encountered and robbed other victims. Sahodra Ghanshan, 61, a businesswoman, was relieved of her Samsung Galaxy cellphone and gold jewelry. Raphal Sarwan, 18, a cashier at the establishment, lost an Acer laptop, three smartphones, and GY$300,000 in cash. Sarwan also suffered cutlass wounds during the ordeal.
In a particularly distressing turn of events, the suspects abducted a 15-year-old girl, stealing her iPhone 12 and a gold finger ring. The young victim was forcibly taken in a Fielder wagon with the license plate PAH 7157.
The dramatic sequence of events came to a head when the getaway vehicle crashed on the Pouderoyen Public Road. Alert law enforcement officers, responding to reports of the accident, arrived at the scene and successfully rescued the abducted girl.
Upon searching the crashed vehicle in the presence of the two apprehended suspects, police recovered several of the stolen items from the back seat.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating violent crime. As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about the three suspects still at large to come forward.
The swift action of the Guyana Police Force in this case has been commended, particularly for the successful rescue of the young abductee. However, this brazen attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures in both residential and commercial areas.
