At about 17:00hrs yesterday, Chief Inspector Lyte was in charge of an Anti-Crime Patrol on Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, when the patrol observed a Toyota Tacoma vehicle bearing registration number PYY 9229 driving dangerously in the vicinity of Jimbo bridge, Grove.
Upon seeing this, the patrol ranks stopped the vehicle, and the driver was instructed to drive to Grove Police Station under escort, the police said today in a statement.
At the station, the driver of the vehicle gave his name as Dylan Walker, a 30-year-old businessman of New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. Three other occupants were in the vehicle, including Subrina Rhema, a 26-year-old from Plaisance, East Coast of Demerara.
A search was carried out on the vehicle, but nothing illegal was found. It was then observed that Rhema had a black handbag, which was searched in her presence and a black .32 Taurus Pistol, along with a magazine containing 11 rounds of .32 ammunition, were found in the handbag.
The police say that Rhema was asked if she is a holder of a firearm licence, and she said no. She was then told of the offence committed, arrested and cautioned after which she replied: “Dylan put it in my bag”.
A video and audio interview was subsequently conducted at the Grove Police Station with Rhema and Walker, separately. They were both cautioned and gave accounts that were video-recorded.
Walker, the police said, stated that he was in possession of the firearm and ammunition when the Police stopped them, and while being escorted to Grove Police Station, he put the firearm in Rhema’s bag. He accepted full knowledge, possession and control of the firearm and ammunition.
Rhema’s story supported that of Walker. She also claimed that she was of the view that Walker was a licensed firearm holder, the police said.
