In a tense confrontation that unfolded on the streets of Rasville, Georgetown, a notorious armed robbery suspect known as ‘Too Cute’ was shot by police as he attempted to evade arrest on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on February 20, 2025, has reignited discussions about police tactics and the challenges of apprehending dangerous suspects in urban environments.
Yohance Yarris, the 22-year-old unemployed resident of Rasville better known by his street name ‘Too Cute’, had been on the Guyana Police Force’s wanted list for a series of violent armed robberies across multiple jurisdictions. According to police reports, Yarris was linked to at least four separate incidents, including robberies in South Ruimveldt, Lodge, West Coast Berbice, and along Mandela Avenue.
The events leading to Yarris’s shooting began around 2:45 PM when police officers on mobile patrol duty spotted the suspect in a yard in Rasville. Upon noticing the police presence, Yarris immediately fled, allegedly drawing a handgun from a bag slung around his neck.
In the ensuing chase, a police officer reported hearing a loud explosion, believed to be a gunshot, coming from Yarris’s direction. Responding to the perceived threat, the officer discharged his weapon, striking Yarris in the chest. Despite being wounded, Yarris managed to jump a fence before collapsing on a nearby street.
The shooting quickly drew a large crowd, with some eyewitnesses reporting a hostile reaction towards the police officers involved. Despite the tense atmosphere, officers were able to secure Yarris and transport him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment under police guard.
The Guyana Police Force has defended the actions of its officers, stating that the use of force was necessary given the suspect’s violent history and his alleged attempt to fire upon pursuing officers1. However, the incident has sparked debate on social media platforms, with some citizens calling for greater police restraint while others commend the officers for their quick action in a potentially life-threatening situation.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in Guyana as they attempt to combat violent crime. It also underscores the delicate balance between effective policing and community relations, particularly in areas where tensions between residents and law enforcement may already be strained.
As investigations into the shooting continue, questions remain about the circumstances that led to Yarris’s long string of alleged crimes and the factors that culminated in this violent confrontation. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for police procedures and community policing strategies in Guyana moving forward.
With ‘Too Cute’ now in custody and facing multiple charges, authorities hope this arrest will bring some closure to the victims of the recent spate of armed robberies. However, the broader issues of crime prevention, police use of force, and community trust in law enforcement are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse in the wake of this high-profile incident.
