Suspect in Melanie supermarket robbery still in custody

The son of a former Deputy Commissioner of Police who was arrested earlier this week in connection with the robbery at the Eugo Supermarket at Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD) remains in police custody.

This was confirmed by Chief Wendell Blanhum, who told Stabroek News that as the investigation continues, no additional arrest had yet been made in the matter.

The suspect in police custody was the security guard on duty at the supermarket when the robbery unfolded around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

The 21- year- old, who resides at Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD and who is employed with the Sheriff Security

Service was relieved of his firearm - a 12gauge single- barrel shotgun with five rounds during the attack.

Zhi Shan Lim, Proprietor of the supermarket, which is located at Lot 8 Melanie North, ECD was shot in his leg while another, Zhi Lu Lin was beaten in his head.

At the time of the attack, Shan, Lu and three other staff were at the supermarket.

The bandits managed to escape with $1.4 million in cash, a cellular phone, a quantity of phone cards and a DVR player.

The crime was allegedly committed by four bandits, three of whom were armed with handguns. They are yet to be apprehended.

The police had said that Shan and his staff were in the supermarket when one of the suspects entered and purchased two Guinness stouts. He then went outside and called his three accomplices into the supermarket, the police said.

While in the supermarket, one of the suspects approached the security guard and relieved him of his firearm while the others simultaneously held Shan and the other staff at gunpoint.

The police explained that one of the suspects then dealt Lu a blow to his head while another discharged a round that struck Shan to his leg.

The bandits then carted off the cash and valuables and escaped with the DVR, the police added.

The police were contacted and the building was searched but none of the suspects was located.

Both of the victims were escorted to the Balwant Singh Hospital, where they were treated and sent away.