Four arrested in Linden for aiding escapees

Uree Varswyk

Prison escapee Uree Varswyk was shot dead minutes before midnight on Thursday during a Joint Services operation at Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, and ranks were up to last evening in hot pursuit of Bartica massacre convict Mark Royden Williams, who had been spotted with him. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Stabroek News that Varswyk, called ‘Malcolm Gordon,’ was shot dead around 11:45 pm during a confrontation with Joint Services ranks. The Guyana Police Force, in a press statement issued yesterday, said that an intelligence-led operation was held in the mining town, during which Varswyk and Williams were seen. They were approached by the police and there was an exchange of gunshots. “The police approached, they [Varswyk and Williams] opened fire and they [police] fired back,” the police said, while noting that Varswyk was shot as a result. At the time of his death, Varswyk was wearing a camouflage vest and a pair of military boots. Jewel Pestano

A couple died early yesterday morning after a collision along the Cummings Lodge Railway Embankment Road. Dennis Ross and his girlfriend, Jewel Pestano, 19, of Albouystown, who were riding on a motorcycle, collided with a taxi around 3:30 am. The driver of the taxi was later arrested after a breathalyser test found that his breath alcohol content was above the legal limit. Pestano’s family was told that couple had been travelling west along the embankment road on Ross’ motorcycle, CE 9653, when the car, HC 4097, which was travelling east along the road, without any lights, collided with them head on. As a result of the impact, Ross and Pestano were sent flying into the air.