Tragedy struck yesterday as Paul Waterman, a security guard hailing from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), lost his life in a brazen armed robbery at a Vreed-en-Hoop supermarket, according to police reports.
The incident unfolded at the People’s Supermarket situated at Lot ‘F’ New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, where Waterman was on duty with the Sheriff Security Service. The police revealed that three armed men stormed the establishment, brandishing handguns and immediately subjecting Waterman, along with the supermarket’s proprietor, Ping Xian Lin, and his wife, Li Yan Ohen, to their threatening presence.
In the course of the robbery, a scuffle ensued between Waterman and one of the assailants. Tragically, during the altercation, a gunshot was fired, fatally striking Waterman. The assailants seized the opportunity to relieve Waterman of his firearm and phone before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, along with Digicel and GTT phone cards, a cellphone, and a DVR.
The bandits swiftly made their escape, fleeing northwards through Evergreen Street towards Best Village. Despite immediate medical attention, Waterman succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The crime scene yielded evidence in the form of a .32 spent shell, providing crucial leads for ongoing investigations.
The loss of Paul Waterman underscores the dangers faced by security personnel in the line of duty and serves as a grim reminder of the prevalence of violent crime in communities across Guyana. Law enforcement authorities continue to pursue all available leads in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
