In a dramatic twist of events, police are now probing whether Detective Corporal Seburn Elias was killed by friendly fire or the bandit whom he had given chase behind.
Elias, 45, of 1347 Bareroot, East Coast Demerara was killed Monday evening while in pursuit of a prisoner who had disarmed one of his colleagues and fled from the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was taken for treatment.
Guyana Times International understands that there was an exchange of gunfire during the confrontation between the bandit and police ranks who gave chase in an alley at Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. Police only recovered two spent shells at the scene.
Investigation
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud told this publication on Tuesday that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, noting that two guns were fired, thus making the case more complicated.
He added that the two spent shells were recovered at the scene. He said two rounds of ammunition were left inside the service weapon that is suspected to have been used by the suspect, who is still in custody, but will not be charged until a proper investigation is completed.
GTI was told that the suspect, Delon Abrams, 23, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown reportedly showed remorse for his actions, claiming that he did not want to kill the police rank. He was believed to be hiding under a step during the exchange of gunfire. After the shooting, he reportedly surrendered and shouted, “I did not shoot him”.
GTI was told that Abrams had asked to use the washroom while at the hospital and was escorted by a policeman to the lavatory, but while there, a scuffle ensued, resulting in the bandit disarming the police rank before escaping.
During efforts to arrest the escaped prisoner, Detective Corporal Elias, who was unarmed at the time, was involved in a scuffle during which he was shot to his left side. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment.
The suspect had been arrested by public-spirited persons and handed over to the police following an alleged break and enter and larceny committed on a home at Turkeyen.
Devastating news
Elias’ widow, Alana, when contacted via telephone, told this publication that she last saw him when he left home on Monday morning. She said that they spoke a few times during the day and she would normally contact him in the evening to find out his anticipated time of arrival at home.
The woman in tears explained that she attempted to make contact with him on Monday evening at about 19:00h, but the call went straight to voicemail.
She tried again a little while later and this time, a male answered. “He told me that my husband was shot and that I must come down to the Georgetown Hospital… I asked him if it was serious and he said no… I took some time to reach the hospital, since where we are living it’s difficult to catch a bus so I ended up taking a taxi,” she explained.
On her way down to the hospital, the woman said she prayed, but upon arrival at the medical facility, she was greeted with the devastating news. “I composed myself and was escorted to the Accident and Emergency Unit where I saw him wrapped to be taken away to the mortuary… they opened him which confirmed that my husband was no more,” she said.
Inconsolable
She revealed that they had been married for the past eight years, with four children, ages 14, 12, nine and eight. The children, she noted, are inconsolable at their father’s death and cannot come to grips with the new reality. Elias joined the force about 25 years ago. His wife described him as an ardent worker who was dedicated to his job.
The grieving wife said after they married, her husband opened a small business for her so that she can be occupied while he was at work. “He was a loving husband and caring father who always wanted the best for his children…they are now left fatherless, but the Lord will provide,” she said.
Elias, one of five children, will be laid to rest next week.
