Robber shot after grabbing cash from America Street money changer

Last Updated on Saturday, 9 May 2026, 11:10 by Denis Chabrol

A man was shot and injured after he robbed a money changer of GY$200,000 on America Street on Friday evening, police said.

A top Guyana Police Force investigator said, based on preliminary information, one of the suspects was shot and injured by the money changer who is a licensed firearm holder.

The suspect has since been arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment to injuries, police said.

The senior law enforcement agent said police were making efforts to arrest an accomplice.

Up to late Friday night, crime scene detectives were seen within a cordoned area searching for evidence and other clues about the robbery.

The money changer was also escorted to the scene to assist investigators.

The Guyana Police Force on Saturday morning issued the following statement about the incident:

“Police in Regional Division 4 ‘A’ are investigating an alleged Robbery Under Arms which occurred on Friday May 8, 2026 about 19:34hrs, at America and Longden Streets, Georgetown, committed on a 35-year-old money changer/businessman of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was plying his trade on America Street while seated on his motorcycle when two suspects rode up on a black XR motorcycle from an eastern direction. The pillion rider then dismounted, approached the victim, pointed a handgun in his direction and demanded money.

The armed suspect then allegedly relieved the victim of $200,000 Guyana currency, which was in his right-side pants pocket. As he was about to rejoin the waiting motorcycle, he discharged three rounds in the victim’s direction, during which a 41-year-old maintenance worker of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was nearby, was struck to his right leg.

Further enquiries disclosed that the victim, who is a licensed firearm holder, discharged two rounds in the direction of the pillion rider, who was struck and fell to the ground. The suspect subsequently got up and made good his escape south along Longden Street, while the rider escaped west along America Street.

The injured bystander was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he is receiving treatment. His condition is listed as stable. Police subsequently went to the same hospital, where an injured 24-year-old male of Tucville, Georgetown, was seen receiving medical attention under guard. His condition is also listed as stable.

Two .32 spent shells and three 9mm spent shells were recovered from the scene and lodged for examination. Checks are being made for the other suspect.

Investigations are ongoing.”