Police are investigating a robbery under arms that occurred around 21:10 hours on Friday along the northern side of Aubrey Barker Road, North Ruimveldt. The incident involved a 45-year-old female food vendor from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and her 15-year-old daughter, who were robbed of valuables, including cell phones, cash, and gold jewelry. The suspects, both armed with handguns, were identified as Carl Rolland Reid, also known as “Carloo Reid,” a 17-year-old from Tucville Squatting Area (now deceased), and another male of African descent whose identity remains unknown.
The victims were reportedly standing at the junction of Kaikan Street and Aubrey Barker Road, waiting for transportation, when the suspects approached them on a black motorcycle, registration number CL 7753. The armed men demanded that the victims surrender their belongings. Fearing for their lives, the victims complied, handing over items valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
During the robbery, a 30-year-old supernumerary constable, stationed nearby at a guard hut, responded to the incident. Armed with a private security firm’s 9mm pistol, the constable stepped out of his post, prompting one of the suspects to fire four rounds in his direction. The constable returned fire, discharging all 15 rounds in his magazine. Reid was struck multiple times and collapsed in the center of the road, where he was later found motionless in a pool of blood. The second suspect escaped on the motorcycle, heading west along Aubrey Barker Road.
At the scene, detectives recovered seven 9mm spent shells, a black toy gun near Reid’s body, and the 15-year-old victim’s cell phone in Reid’s possession. Reid’s body was transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, pending a post-mortem examination. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being reviewed to aid the investigation.
Police anti-crime patrols were immediately alerted, and ranks on motorcycle patrol in Nutmeg Street, Festival City, spotted the second suspect fleeing on the motorcycle. After a brief chase, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot through an alleyway. The motorcycle has since been lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station.
Statements have been taken from the victims and the security guard, and several individuals have been questioned as investigations into the incident continue.
