15-man gang robbery of cambio dealer…Four more arrested

Dec 14, 2016 News

Four more suspects were in custody last night as police stepped up their search for the heavily-armed 15-man gang that carted off a reported $21M in cash and jewellery after smashing their way into the number 79 Village, Corentyne home of Cambio Dealer Devendra Churaman.
The individuals, who include an ex-cop and a female, are reportedly from various areas in Berbice.
Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts would only confirm the arrests, while saying that the investigation was “at a delicate stage.”
Watts had stated that ranks from Georgetown would be travelling to Berbice as reinforcements for those at the Springlands Police Station. Kaieteur News understands that ranks from the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit were deployed to Berbice yesterday.
Watts had stated that the seven persons who were arrested Monday night were all swabbed for possible traces of gunpowder, based on information received. The suspects, he stated, would be subjected to an identification parade shortly.
The bandits, who were armed with assault rifles, shotguns, cutlasses and sledge hammers, launched their attack at just about 01:45 hrs on Monday.
Five of the men, who were all armed and masked, smashed through the front window of Churaman’s home and hammered their way through a steel door to his bedroom to gain entry.
The father of two, who was home alone, had said that the gunmen had him on the floor while one man held a gun to his head.
There were reports that while the five men carried out their rampage in the Cambio Dealer’s home, ten others stood guard in the street while firing shots and lighting firecrackers to keep the neighbours distracted and at bay. Shots were also fired in Churaman’s home.
Confirming the extent of the bandits’ firepower, Crime Chief of B Division Gary McAllister said that 21 live 7.62*39 rounds (used in Ak-47 rifles), eight 7.62*39 shells; two twelve –gauge shotgun cartridges and a warhead were retrieved from the scene.
Churaman and several neighbours had stated that the gunmen took some 20 minutes to enter and spent another 20 minutes inside.
Springlands Police Station is located some two minutes away from Churaman’s residence.
Questions have been asked as to why the police ranks failed to respond, despite reportedly receiving numerous calls when the gunmen were still to gain entry. It is alleged that ranks took at least an hour to arrive.
Commander Watts has said that there was only one patrol in the area covering number 51 to 79 Villages, but both groups – the station and the patrol – received information after the ordeal.

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