One of the four men held in connection with an armed attack committed on a judge and her family was on Saturday positively identified, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday.
Contacted, Blanhum told Stabroek News that the suspect was picked out during an identification parade. He said that the suspect in his absence had been sentenced to three years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Though not identified, he said the other suspects remain incustody.
Nicola Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand were battered during the invasion of their Felicity, East Coast Demerara home by armed robbers early on Thursday morning. The four suspects were later taken into custody.
Based on the accounts of eyewitnesses, more than six persons would have been involved in the robbery, but owing to the unexpected shootout that ensued with a guard during their escape, the gang may have been scattered.
The attack occurred at about 1:20 am on Thursday, after the robbers overpowered and tied up a special constable, who was on duty close to the house. The armed men, after battering the couple, escaped with a portable safe containing money and jewellery and a suitcase with articles.
However, a confrontation with an armed security guard at a nearby premises resulted in the bandits leaving behind the safe and suitcase, while they fled on foot before boarding a waiting vehicle nearby. The police subsequently arrested the four suspects.
