One of two motorcycle bandits who attempted to rob a businessman on Friday afternoon, was shot dead in the vicinity of the Mc Doom Service Station, Greater Georgetown.

The dead man has been identified Gary Koster, 38, of Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred at about 14:40h on the western

carriage way along the East Bank Road, opposite the Shell Gas Station in Mc Doom.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the suspect was reportedly shot twice as the licenced firearm holder discharged at least five shots in the direction of the bandits.

This newspaper was told that two men on a black and grey CG motorcycle, CH 2167, had trailed a 48-year-old businessman of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, and were about to attack him, but he pulled out his licenced .32 Taurus revolver and fired shots at the bandits.

One of the bullets struck Koster to his left side temple and the other to the back of his neck, killing him almost instantly, while his accomplice fled the scene on foot, heading South along the Mc Doom Public Road before disappearing. Eyewitnesses, who asked to remain anonymous, related to this newspaper that the now dead bandit was fingered in several armed robberies in the area.

Meanwhile, the Police were summoned to the scene and transported the dead man to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. ‘A’ Division Commander (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara), Clifton Hicken, was at the scene and based on initial reports obtained by the Police, he told reporters there that the businessman, who owns a supermarket and bar in Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was about to conduct business at the Shell Gas Station.

On the other hand, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told this publication on Friday evening that further reports indicate that the businessman was in a canter truck, bearing registration number GTT 5907, that was being driven by another male, when they stopped in front the gas station, on the western carriage way, to allow vehicles coming out of Rome Access Road, called “Fishery Road”, to cross over to the eastern side.

At this point, the Crime Chief related that two suspects rode up alongside the truck and the pillion rider got off of the motorcycle and approached the businessman. The suspect, later identified as Koster, reportedly reached for a gun and dealt the businessman a cuff to his face before discharging a round at the occupants in the vehicle.

In retaliation, the businessman whipped out his licenced weapon and opened fire at the suspects, hitting the 38-year-old man to the back of his neck and on his back.

According to a Police release, one 9mm and three .32 spent shells were found at the scene by detectives. The truck was examined and a bullet hole was seen on the left side windscreen.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle was impounded by the Police as they hunt for the second suspect.