The investigation continues into the escape of Sherwin Duncan, a 20-year-old labourer of Lot 775 Cummings Park, Sophia, Georgetown who along with his now dead accomplice, allegedly attempted to rob the Wan Dan Chinese Restaurant on Dennis Street, Sophia on Tuesday.
The deceased has been identified as Eric Ifill, a 20-year-old mason of Lot 394 Section B Sophia.
According to a police source yesterday, “The suspect has not been recaptured; however, the investigation is continuing into the escape.”
An eyewitness who spoke with the Stabroek News on Friday, 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 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.”
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 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.
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.