Eyewitnesses are providing a far more dramatic account of Sunday’s multi-vehicle accident at Cumberland Public Road, East Canje Berbice, one which sharply contrasts with the limited information released by the Guyana Police Force.
According to persons who were in the area at the time, the incident began when the 53-year-old suspect, an Operator of Adelphi Village reportedly drove into another motorist’s vehicle and attempted to flee the scene immediately after. The victim gave chase and eventually caught up with him, confronting him about his driving.
Residents said the suspect then drove his vehicle over the man, injuring him, before speeding off again.
As he fled, the suspect allegedly crashed into two additional vehicles along the roadway. He then stopped, exited his vehicle, and was seen armed with a firearm. Several eyewitnesses told The News Desk that the man fired multiple shots into the air as persons began gathering to see what was taking place.
The suspect then reportedly went into a nearby street, hid the firearm, and later returned to the accident scene. Police were summoned, and ranks subsequently apprehended him. He later escorted officers to the location where the firearm had been concealed.
However, the Guyana Police Force’s press release made no mention of the alleged hit-and-run, the confrontation, the injuries, nor the reported firing of gunshots.
Instead, the statement said only that police were “investigating the discovery of a suspected firearm and ammunition” following a four-vehicle damage accident, and that a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing three live rounds was found “based on information received.” It further noted that the 53-year-old man was arrested and is in custody assisting with the investigation.
Members of the media in Berbice have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing trend of police reports lacking key details about serious incidents, often leaving out critical elements that eyewitnesses and victims later recount. This latest release again raises questions about why the police continue to provide minimal information to the public.
The suspected firearm and ammunition have been lodged as investigations continue.
