Boy, 13 shot in Aruka River ‘crossfire’
The gunshot wound suffered Antwan john to his shoulder
Kaieteur News – A 13-year-old boy was shot to his right shoulder Wednesday during what police sources say was a cross-section between the ranks of joint services and suspected Venezuelan gang members in the Aruka River, Region the North West (NWD), Region One.
Currently receiving treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital is Antwan John of Arukamai Village, Barima River.
Speaking to Kaieteur News, Division One Police Manager Khalid Mandall said it was around 01:30 o’clock. the ranks had an exchange of firearms with the occupants of another boat when civilians were injured.
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Coastguard stationed in Morwhanna and police ranks at the time raided the river for Sindicato gang members suspected of robbing a Port Kaituma businessman hours earlier. Three Venezuelan armed robbers were reported to have invaded the businessman’s premises in Water Front, Port Kaituma and held him and his wife at gunpoint.
The men robbed them of guns, ammunition and millions in cash before escaping by boat. Kaieteur News had reported that moments later the ranks of a joint service respondent had spotted a boat in the Aruka river and decided to approach it. However, the residents opened fire on them. The ranks returned on fire but the boat set off in the direction of Imbetero, bordering Guyana and Venezuela.
The injured Antwan John told Kaieteur that he was returning from a fishing trip with his two uncles that morning. He detailed that he heard gun shots fired about 45 to 46 feet away from their boat – as his uncles sought cover, he said, suddenly his shoulder became numb. He then realized he had been shot.
The young man claimed to have flashed a torch light and noticed a Coastguard boat.
“It seemed like they were shooting at us but when we flashed the lights they stopped,” said John.
He added that the Coastguard boat was then approaching and the ranks on board said they would send for help. Sometime later a Guyana Police boat came and picked them up.
John said he was taken to Mabaruma Hospital where he was treated. Yesterday he was transported by air to the city for the bullet to be removed.