– several others being sought
Although six persons remain in custody for hurling a grenade at a vehicle belonging to Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, the Police are tracking several others in relation to the incident which occurred last Saturday evening.
Acting Crime Chief, Hugh Jessamy told Guyana Times International that investigators were up to late Wednesday evening interrogating those who were arrested on Tuesday evening at several locations. They were arrested following the discovery of the motorcar that was allegedly used by the perpetrators.
Jessamy added that the Police are working on several leads but cannot divulge any information with respect to the investigation. He further stated that before the Police institute charges against the men, there needs to be sufficient evidence, hence, an early court appearance might not be possible.
The acting Crime Chief added that investigators are yet to verify whether or not the motorcar that was found abandoned was the one actually used in the commissioning of the crime.
Guyana Times International understands that the men in custody are from the Sophia area including the driver, who claimed that he was hijacked but after further interrogation, he told investigators that the car was lent to a friend.
Initially, the driver claimed that he was driving along Albert Street, Alberttown when two men on a motorcycle pulled up alongside him, pulled out a weapon and ordered him to stop the vehicle. Without hesitation, he told ranks that he complied.
Based on information gathered from the driver, the others were taken into police custody. On Saturday night, as Kaieteur News held its first night of wake to pay respects to the late Assistant Editor, Dale Andrews who passed away on Friday, the live grenade was hurled at Lall’s vehicle.
Persons who were at the wake recalled hearing a strange sound but assumed it was shattering glass.
However, when a thorough check was made, the grenade was found lying next to the right front tyre of Lall’s black Lexus vehicle.
The Police were summoned and the area was immediately cordoned off while bomb experts deactivate the device. They noted it was a miracle that the live grenade did not explode. On Monday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times International that the grenade was detonated at the seawalls and that it was too early to determine the motive for the attack.
This attack was condemned by several groups including the Government, the Opposition, the Guyana Public Service Union, the Private Sector Commission and several other news outfits. In addition, they have all called for a speedy investigation into the incident, referring to the attack as domestic terrorism.
