Two men are dead following a shootout between police and bandits at Pioneer Lane, South Ruimveldt early this morning.
Division `A’ Commander Clifton Hicken told Stabroek News that the men were in the process of breaking into a home when police responded and the bandits began firing shots. The exchange continued and the duo were shot. Two firearms were found as investigations continue.
Residents in the area reported that just before 5 am they heard gunshots. About an hour later there was another volley and on looking out they saw police in a yard.
According to what this newspaper was told police responded promptly to a robbery report and upon arrival managed to corner the bandits who then opened fire.
Police are currently on the scene conducting investigations.
The police today issued the following press release on the incident:
At about 0400h. today Wednesday December 09, 2015, police ranks responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the home of Arlene Mc Lean, 47 years, of Pioneer Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.
Four men, three of whom were armed with firearms, had broken into the home and held up Arlene Mc Lean and her sister Ann Marie Mc Lean and took away a sum of cash and a cell phone.
On arrival at the scene the police came under fire from the perpetrators who were leaving the building at the time and returned fire. During the armed confrontation two of the men who were pursued by the police ran into a yard at Reliance Place, South Ruimveldt Park, and took cover behind a water tank from where they continued to engage the police.
During the exchange of gunfire they were shot by the police and later pronounced DOA at the GPHC. One has been identified as Agard Blackman of Tuc-Ville, Georgetown, while the other man is so far unidentified.
Contrary to reports carried on the Demerara Waves News Agency the two men did not hide themselves in the water tank; they took cover behind the water tank and continued to discharge rounds at the police.
The other two men escaped.
The police recovered an unlicensed 9mm. Luger pistol with 3 matching rounds and an unlicensed .38 revolver with 4 matching rounds and 2 spent shells from the perpetrators.
Investigations are in progress.
The police later issued this updated release:
Further to the Press Release made earlier today Wednesday December 09, 2015, in relation to the armed confrontation with the police in South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, be informed that the two men who were fatally shot have been identified.
One is Edgar Blackman, 22 years, of Tuc-Ville, Georgetown, and not Agard Blackman as was stated. He had matters of burglary and escape from lawful custody pending before the court.
The other man has been identified as Sherwin James, 22 years, of Tuc-Ville.
