A 19-year-old shopkeeper is currently hospitalised after he was shot early yesterday morning by two bandits who broke into his Sophia business.
The injured man has been identified as Toussant Benjamin, called ‘David,’ of ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
He was shot twice—in a hip and an arm—and is currently admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). His condition is listed as stable.
Police Commander of Region 4A Simon McBean confirmed the shooting, which occurred around 05:00 hrs. He said the suspects are yet to be apprehended.
Sunday Stabroek learned that Benjamin and his mother, Dionna Daniels, operate a shop situated on the ‘Blacka’ bridge in Sophia.
McBean said investigations revealed that Benjamin was in the shop when he was awakened by a strange sound. He then noticed the two bandits inside the shop and held onto one of them.
As a result, a scuffle ensued between Benjamin and the suspect. His accomplice, who was armed with a gun, discharged two rounds, which struck Benjamin.
The suspects then made good their escape.
A police vehicle which was passing around the time of the attack transported Benjamin to the hospital. He was waiting to go into surgery up to yesterday afternoon.
Speaking to Sunday Stabroek yesterday, Daniels said that the business is usually opened on a 24-hour basis. She said Benjamin took over from her around 23:00 hrs on Friday.
“I did sleeping. I left he (Benjamin) fah run the business…I went right inside and I hear the shots and I run out…They pull he out the hammock and he retaliate…They tap on he pocket and like he raise up…and the person, was two ah them…they shoot he and get away,” Daniels explained.
Daniels said she has been operating the business for numerous years and was never attacked before.
She believed that the attack on her son stemmed from an argument she and a male individual had couple weeks ago.
“Me and a boy had a talking couple weeks ago. A lil boy come sit down on a chair, crawl in me business and …a car man as a matter of fact, wake me up. Is the boy wah he see standing deh mek he wake me up. Me and this boy had a talking…I tell he the next time….he come around me business it won’t end good,” Daniels told this newspaper.
She noted that Benjamin had no issue that could have resulted in the shooting. “Me son is a humble boy,” she said.
