A Chinese national was last evening shot and wounded by armed bandits when he rushed to the aid of his employer who was being robbed outside her Regent Street store.
Up to press time last evening, Jason (only name given) was in the operating room of the Georgetown Public Hospital where doctors were attempting to remove the bullet that was lodged in his side. Hospital officials said that his injury was not life threatening. They said that when he arrived at the hospital, he was conscious.
As if the shooting were not terrifying enough for Jason and his employer who has been identified only as ‘Ling,‘ as they were heading to the hospital, the vehicle they were in suffered a blow-out at the corner of Thomas and Middle Streets resulting in the vehicle turning over several times. Ling sustained minor injuries to her hand and it was public spirited citizens who rushed them to the nearby Georgetown Public Hospital.
At the hospital, many persons affiliated with the two were present to check on their condition. A Chinese national who did not want his name mentioned explained that the owner closed her store located in the C&F Building (opposite Lucky dollar which was gutted by fire earlier this year) and was heading to her vehicle when she saw two men.
Suspecting that something was amisst the woman hurriedly entered her car with a bag containing the day’s sales.
One of the men managed to touch the bag which the woman pulled away before closing her car door.
According to the man, Jason witnessed what was transpiring and realizing that his employer was being robbed rushed to her assistance. The man explained that the bandits discharged four shots at Jason before fleeing on their CG motorcycle. The men were unmasked.
He said that only one of the bullets struck Jason who was picked up by his employer and placed in her car.
The man told Stabroek News that the duo was minutes later involved in a minor accident. This newspaper was unable to make contact with the employer.
Stabroek News understands that Jason arrived here from China a few months ago while Ling has been living and operating a Chinese variety store here for years.
Another man who was present said that the safety of business persons is at risk. The man who is also a Chinese national said that he has been operating a business here for years. He said that he misses the sight of policemen patrolling Regent Street on foot. In the light of this incident he said, police should resume the patrolling of Regent Street. Nevertheless he described Guyana as much better than China and a beautiful place in which to live.
CG motor cycles have over the years been a favourite means of transportation for bandits. Most daylight robberies, police officials have said, have been carefully planned between robberies and employees or persons closely affiliated with the targets. In many cases businesses are targeted when they are closing up or when the owners are preparing to leave the premises.
