A taxi driver was yesterday shot, allegedly during crossfire between a cop and two robbers in the vicinity of the La Penitence Market but the police say they are investigating the incident as there have been conflicting reports.
Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken while confirming the shooting said that the injured man, Kenneth Hoyte, 46, of Tucville has been admitted as a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan in a press release stated that around 9 am at Sussex St, Charlestown, Hoyte was shot to his left hand and left knee as a result of the exchange of gunshots.
The statement said that the subordinate officer has since been detained and his firearm was lodged.
A City Constabulary officer who is an eyewitness, related to Stabroek News that the policeman was motoring on Saffon Street when two men on a bicycle rode up to the car, and pointed a gun towards the driver. They then commanded that he hand over the chain, to which he complied. Police said a gold band was attached to the chain.
At the time of the stick-up the policeman was driving with his side window down, in slow moving traffic in the vicinity of the market.
The eyewitness further recounted that as the bandits were making their escape, the policeman exited his vehicle in pursuit of the suspects and several rounds were discharged between the cop and the bandits.
According to the police statement, the officer alleged that the suspects discharged rounds in his direction and he returned fire with his licensed firearm. It was during the alleged discharge, Hoyte was shot twice.
He was moments later picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent surgery.
The police said that as investigators arrived on the scene nine spent shells were recovered along with the chain. Stabroek News learnt that a female passerby picked up the chain and handed it over to the police.
It is believed that the bandits dropped the chain as they were making their escape. Hicken told Stabroek News they have received information on one of the suspects and investigators are in pursuit of him.
The police also said that that the man who was shot provided a version of the incident which differs from that of the policeman.
