-suspected getaway car, driver held

Armed bandits struck at the Prairie Hotel, Coverden, East Bank Demerara on Thursday and quick action by police led to the detention of the suspected getaway car and its driver.

Up to press time last evening the taxi driver was still in police custody assisting with investigations.

Police said in a press release yesterday that around 1500 hours, manageress Norma Lawrence and desk clerks, Sheloma Lyte and Henwattie Bhagwandeen were on duty when three men, two of whom were armed with handguns entered and held them up.

The perpetrators took away a total of $84, 000, $158 US currency, jewellery and two cell phones and escaped in a motor car bearing registration number HB 6445.

Acting quickly on the report made, the release added, ranks of a mobile police patrol later intercepted the motor car at Providence, EBD.

The driver who was alone in the vehicle was arrested and is in police custody while the vehicle has been detained by police.