An attempted robbery at the Wan Dan Chinese Restaurant on Dennis Street, Sophia on Tuesday afternoon that claimed the life of one of the attackers has left residents fearful and concerned.
An eyewitness who spoke with the Stabroek News recounted the events that unfolded during the attempted robbery. “I was home at the time and had just sent my brother and daughter to a nearby Chinese supermarket. Not even a minute later, I heard a loud noise. At first, I thought it was someone lighting squibs, but then I heard vehicles braking and people shouting about a robbery at the Chinese restaurant.”
The eyewitness expressed fear and hesitation to step outside due to the potential danger. “I was afraid to go outside because you don’t know when stray bullets might come your way. Eventually, I went out and saw my brother, but I called my daughter back home immediately.”
The eyewitness reported seeing commotion at the restaurant shortly after the incident. “The security guard came out and said the bandits tried to rob the restaurant, but he had to act. He said one of them was put down and the other was injured.”
After the shooting, the area quickly filled with onlookers and law enforcement personnel. According to the eyewitness, forensic teams arrived to collect evidence, and undertakers later removed the body of the deceased bandit. “The man who owns the building, I think he’s connected to the police, was passing by when someone alerted him to what was happening. Soon after, the police arrived and cordoned off the area.”
The attempted robbery occurred around midday when the restaurant owners were in the process of installing a grill door as a security measure. Two armed bandits stormed into the establishment, demanding money. During the confrontation, one bandit was shot dead on the spot, while the other, identified as 20-year-old Sherwin Duncan, was wounded and later apprehended.
However, Duncan escaped police custody while undergoing treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. A police constable assigned to guard him has since been placed under close arrest, and an internal investigation is under way.
Up to press time the Guyana Police Force was yet to release any official statement on the robbery or the suspect’s escape. Efforts to contact Region 4A Commander, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, for a comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, residents in the area have expressed fear and concern about the rise in criminal activity, especially as this latest incident unfolded in broad daylight. Many are calling for stronger security measures to prevent such occurrences.