The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a 36-year-old bus driver from Mahdia, Region Eight, which occurred around 19:00 hrs last night in the mining town.
The deceased has been identified as Cleavon Gomes. He was fatally shot last night while he and another individual were involved in a scuffle. There are reports that Gomes also sustained a chop wound.
Guyana Standard has been informed that while the bus driver was chopped to the body by another individual, it was a police rank who allegedly discharged the fatal round in an attempt to pacify the situation.
According to information received, Gomes and another individual were involved in an argument when the latter left and went home. He subsequently returned with a cutlass to confront the deceased.
It was during the confrontation that the victim sustained a chop wound and was allegedly shot shortly after by the cop.
Gomes was immediately rushed to the Mahdia Hospital where he succumbed while efforts were being made to have him medivaced to Georgetown.
This news agency has been informed that when the bus driver’s relatives found out that he had passed away, they barged into the hospital and began breaking furniture and windows. Fearing for their safety, doctors and patients had to lock themselves in a room.
Reports are that Gomes’ relatives were annoyed at the fact that the plane to take him to Georgetown did not arrive on time but this news agency has been informed that all efforts, including finding a pilot, were being made to have him air-dashed to the city.
The suspect has since been arrested. It is unclear at this point if the policeman was placed under close arrest.
