The swift action of a businessman thwarted a robbery attempt at a West Ruimveldt shop last Thursday, resulting in a would-be bandit being shot in a crossfire.
The businessman, Ravi Totaram, told Stabroek News that the attack occurred around 11 am, when three men, whom he later learnt were armed, visited the shop at 82 Front Road, West Ruimveldt that he operates with his wife. The men visited under the pretence of purchasing a bottle of cooking gas.
Totaram said that two of the men stood outside the shop, while the third entered the shop where his wife was and asked to purchase the bottle of gas. It was when the woman opened the gate to pass the gas bottle that the bandit pushed by the gate and started choking the proprietress, while holding a gun to her head.
Totaram, who is a licensed firearm holder, explained that at that time he was in another section of the building and he looked over and saw what was taking place. He said because of his wife’s proximity to the armed thief, he fired a warning shot, hoping that it would scare the man off. However, instead of running off, the bandit returned fire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the two men.
Totaram told Stabroek News that he recalled firing at least three shots at the bandit, one of which reportedly struck the man.
At that point of time, he said, the other two men made good their escape on foot. And while the third attempted to do the same, he made it to Second Street, Alexander Village before collapsing.
The police were subsequently summoned and the injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital in the company of Totaram. The bandit then underwent emergency surgery.
According to Totaram, he has since been informed that once discharged from the hospital, the bandit is expected to be charged.
He further stated that while the business has been in operation for over 30 years, last Thursday’s robbery attempt was the first perpetrated on the establishment.
Nevertheless, he remains thankful for getting through the incident without any harm done to himself or his wife.
