Businesswoman Ahmiss Lee believes that “inside information” was passed to the two bandits who robbed her of almost $2.7M, shortly after she left a city bank last Friday.
Recounting her ordeal to Stabroek News, a traumatised Lee said that around 9:30 am last Friday, she and her boyfriend went to a city bank to cash a cheque. They left for home about fifteen minutes later, with $2.5M and US$971 in a haversack.
According to Lee, as her boyfriend was negotiating a speed bump on Eping Avenue, in Bel Air, a burgundy car slammed into the back of their vehicle. She said that her boyfriend came out to assess the damage. While he was talking with the other driver, the passenger in the vehicle came out and approached her. “He slapped me and tell me to shut up,” Lee recalled, while adding that her well-dressed assailant then snatched the haversack, which was on the floor in front of her. He also took her handbag, which was on her lap. The handbag contained about $5,000 cash. Lee could not recall seeing the bandit with a gun.
The woman recounted that the bandit jumped back into the car, which sped off in the direction of Sheriff Street. “My boyfriend got back in the car and tried to trail them. I called 911 and I was giving them information about what happened and the direction of the car and so,” Lee added.
The bandit’s hand was covered with toothpaste and as a result of the slap it was smeared all over her face. Investigators have since explained to her that toothpaste is used to remove traces of gun powder residue.
Lee praised the police for their efforts so far. She explained that the police found the getaway car in front of the driver’s home and although he has not been found, his mother was detained for questioning. The car was found abandoned on Friday night on Well Road, West Ruimveldt. “The police did a great job on Friday. They got a lot done within a short space of time,” Lee said.
A still-shaken Lee explained that the stolen money was to be used to open a barber shop. She said that she re-migrated from New York and in light of the robbery she has been asking herself why she did not stay there. Asked about her next move, Lee said that she has no choice but to move ahead with her plans to open her business. “I am so scared to go back to the bank,” she, however, added. She opined that there should be a heavier police presence in the city and around banks.
Last August, following a spate of robberies committed on persons leaving city banks, Police Commissioner Henry Greene had said that while bandits stake out banks, there have been proven cases of collusion involving bank employees.
