A man was shot and killed by a security guard on Sunday night after he and another were allegedly caught attempting to steal a transformer in the compound of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) wharf on Lombard Street.
Police yesterday identified the dead man as Nicholas Da Silva, called ‘Buck man,’ 45, of no fixed place of abode. Da Silva’s accomplice, who managed to escape, remains on the run.
According to police, the shooting occurred around 10.35pm. “It is alleged that the deceased, before his demise, and an accomplice were seen in the compound stealing a transformer,” police said. “Upon being challenged by a guard who was at the time armed with a firearm, Da Silva retaliated and attacked him during which time the guard discharged a round hitting him in his abdomen.”
When this newspaper visited GNIC yesterday, no official was available to speak. However, persons at the location said Da Silva, who slept on the pavements outside La Penitence Market, regularly entered the compound to steal.
Based on what this newspaper was told, Da Silva was caught many times.
A woman, who is close to the security guard, said that after Da Silva was spotted in the compound, he was confronted by the guard. The woman said that Da Silva held onto the gun and it was at this point that he was shot.
Persons in the area seemed to be familiar with Da Silva but no one was aware of where his family was located.
After the shooting, the wounded Da Silva was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention and later succumbed to his injuries around 5.30 am yesterday.
Stabroek News was told that up to late yesterday afternoon, the guard was being kept in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station assisting with the investigation.
