POLICE were on Tuesday reviewing surveillance footage from cameras mounted on the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) building in an effort to identify the gunman, who shot, injured and robbed an America Street money changer of an undisclosed amount of cash.The licensed firearm holder has been identified as Mahendra Deonarine of Lot B, Plantain Walk Public Road, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. Sleuths disclosed that footage revealed that the shooter was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and they are trying to enlarge the image to get a closer look at the suspect in hope of locating him.

Meanwhile, Deonarine is said to be in a stable condition after he underwent a surgical operation at a private hospital. He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the private institution based on his request.

At downtown Georgetown when the incident happened people who were in the vicinity recalled hearing a gunshot and scampered for cover since they were unsure of what was happening. It was when they saw the money changer fell to the ground that they went to his aid.

According to police in ‘A’ Division, Deonarine had just disembarked a speed boat plying the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown Ferry Stelling route when he was accosted by a gunman. This happened at about 09:50 hrs. in front of the Georgetown Ferry Stelling, while the businessman was making his way to America Street, where his business is located.

Police told the Guyana Chronicle that the robber walked up to Deonarine and shot him once to the abdomen after which he went through his pockets and relieved him of an undisclosed amount of money when he slumped to the ground.

Detectives said that based on information received so far, it would appear that the incident is a ‘hit’ gone wrong and movements of the money changer was well orchestrated.

A visit to Deonarine’s home did not yield much since no one was there, but when contacted by telephone relatives of the injured man refused to speak to this newspaper saying that they were busy.

Police also said that the relatives were uncooperative with lawmen and as such it is not known whether Deonarine’s gun was taken during the armed robbery.

(Michel Outridge)