A customs enforcement officer was on Wednesday granted his release on $200,000 bail after he denied shooting at two horse-cart operators.
David Ali, 49, of Lot 31 Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparandaam Magistrate’s Court.
He pleaded not guilty to charges stating that he discharged a loaded firearm with intent to harm Anil Persaud and Reygon Gonzales on March 13, at Kersaint Park, LBI.
Ali was granted $100,000 bail on each charge. The matters were adjourned until March 20 for statements.
Police on Monday said that Ali was arrested after he allegedly shot and injured two horse cart operators.
According to a police statement, Persaud and Gonzales had gone to an empty lot opposite Ali’s home to allegedly cut grass for their horses. However, the police said Ali claimed that one of the victims entered his yard and he discharged his firearm in the air and in the direction of the men.
The shooting occurred around 16.00hrs on Sunday.
Both Persaud and Gonzales sustained injuries to their legs and were escorted by police to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were both admitted. They underwent surgeries to treat their injuries.
The police had said that Ali was contacted and he handed over his licensed 9MM pistol with 12 matching rounds in the magazine.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Wednesday said it had commenced an internal investigation and was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.
“The Management of GRA wishes to reiterate that based on its established Firearm Policy, upon completion of any exercises, firearms must be lodged at the nearest police station. The Authority further advises that any act not in keeping with professional conduct in accordance with the country’s tax/trade laws and regulations will be appropriately dealt with,” the agency said in a statement.
