Police apprehend 2 suspects in Better Hope Armed Robbery; 3rd on the run

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery and shooting that occurred last night at the Ocean View Hotel in Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. A third suspect remains at large as police continue their investigation into the violent incident.

According to police reports, the robbery took place around 20:20 hours when three armed individuals, all brandishing handguns, confronted a 56-year-old businessman at his hotel and bar, which also serves as his residence. The suspects, who were not wearing masks, forced the businessman at gunpoint from the bar to his attached home, demanding cash and jewellery.

Despite ransacking the premises, the businessman refused to comply with their demands, prompting one of the assailants to shoot him in the abdomen. The suspects then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money and valuables. The victim was rushed to a private hospital, where he is currently in a stable condition.

Following swift action by the police, two of the suspects were apprehended in Industry, East Coast Demerara, around 21:00 hours. The arrested individuals have been identified as Winston Harris, 35, of Lot 351 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Dexter Simon, 38, of Lot 54 Russell Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

During a search, police recovered a .32 revolver with five live rounds from Simon, along with two mobile phones and a toy gun. The third suspect, known only as “Kevin,” managed to evade capture during a pursuit near Ogle Old Road, dropping a .38 revolver with two live rounds and two spent shells before fleeing.

None of the stolen money or jewellery has been recovered so far, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.