Latest update December 18th, 2024 5:45 AM
Latest News
- Stabroek Block offers unique opportunities for highest return on investment – Exxon’s VP
- EPA’s unlawful conduct, lax regulation would implicate the US in any resulting harm from gas project- Int’l lawyer tells US EXIM Bank
- Israeli attacks kill dozens across Gaza as ceasefire talks continue
- Prime suspect in Toshao’s murder surrenders
- Gas-to-Energy project gets initial approval for US$500M loan from US EXIM Bank- US Official
Gas station owner loses $1M after daughter jumps from hijacked car
The businessman’s hijacked car
A Berbice businessman and his daughter were on Wednesday evening robbed of over $1M by three identifiable bandits, one armed with a gun, just as they were about to enter their home at St John Street, New Amsterdam.
The thieves, one wearing a hood and the other two unmasked, are suspected to have trailed them from their business place at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, to their home, where the men hijacked the car (a Toyota Roctus PPP 9798) with the young lady still inside and drove away with the money.
According to information, businessman Raymond Arnold, 60, of 20-6 St John Street, New Amsterdam, owns and operates the R. Arnold and Daughters Gas Station. His daughter Diana Arnold, 23, an employee of Republic Bank, would at times collect her father from his place of work.
And Wednesday was no different, as the young lady collected her father just after closing his business and headed home. As they approached their home around 19:20 hrs, the car stopped just before the yard to allow the man to come out and open the gate.
After he did so, the young lady was about to drive in the yard when she noticed three men – two on foot and one on bicycle – approaching in her rear view mirror. Not taking much notice, the young woman was startled when one of the men stretched his hand through the half open window, pointed a gun at her and grabbed the steering wheel as he tried to open the door to get in the vehicle. A struggle ensued as the young woman refused to yield. She tried to drive the vehicle away, but the bandit held onto the steering wheel.
One of his cohorts accosted Mr. Arnold who was standing outside and demanded the money. The businessman refused as the bandit jumped into the vehicle. As the scuffle continued, the bandit managed to overpower the young lady and forced her over to the passenger side as he jumped in and drove away, just as the third bandit had entered the car where the $1M was in a bag.
As they headed into Strand, the woman managed to open the door and jumped from the moving vehicle, injuring herself in the process. She is said to have suffered a slight fracture to her back, injuries to her knees and hands.
The bandits then turned through St Magdalene Street and headed into the Vryheid, Angoy’s Avenue area. The woman walked back to her residence where a crowd was gathered outside.
The police were informed and arrived at the scene. In the meantime, residents had also gone into action and chased behind the vehicle. One resident on a motor cycle noticed the car being driven at a fast rate and sensing something amiss, decided to chase behind it.
The driver turned through several streets before eventually smashing into a premises in the Vryheid area.
The damaged car with its right bumper smashed was found with the engine running and the inside ransacked.
The police subsequently recovered the car and lifted a number of fingerprints from the vehicle. Several persons have since been placed in custody.
The businessman and his workers had earlier noticed two strange men drinking at a nearby run shop not far from his workplace. The men then visited his gas station and asked for sweet drinks. After they were told this not was available they left and were lurking around other shops.
This is the fourth robbery the man has suffered. The last time being in January when thieves – believed to be the same three men – had ambushed him and his family and entered their home. They left empty-handed on that occasion. The businessman said he is disappointed with the justice system in Berbice and is contemplating quitting.
Diana Arnold was serving as a juror in the High Court in Berbice. She has since been excused from the trial.
Investigations are continuing.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The stakes are high in Guyana’s democracy
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- In any vibrant democracy, the mechanisms that bind it together are those that mediate differences,... more
Let the asylum seekers go: a first step for Venezuela to rebuild relations in the Americas
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – The government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela has steadfast support from many... more
Weekend Cartoon
