An 18-year-old man is now under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being shot by an off-duty policeman following a robbery on the West Ruimveldt Public Road on Monday night.
Stabroek News was made to understand that the incident occurred at around 11 pm when the 18-year-old man, in the company of an armed accomplice, approached an unsuspecting resident of West Ruimveldt and relieved him of two cell phones.
However, their attempts to escape were foiled by an off-duty police officer who confronted the duo; this in turn led to one of the men opening fire on the off-duty rank, the police say.
According to a statement issued by the Police, one of the men retaliated by discharging several rounds which prompted the policeman to return fire, hitting the 18-year-old suspect in the right thigh in the process.
He was subsequently arrested and the two phones, along with a .32 revolver with two live rounds and four spent shells were recovered. His accomplice managed to escape.
The man was taken to the GPHC where he is expected to remain until he is well enough to appear before the court to face charges.
