VREED-EN-HOOP, Guyana — Police have launched an investigation into the shooting death of Police Lance Corporal Richard Marvin Hayes, 35, who was fatally shot Thursday morning at Stelling Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 9 a.m. Hayes, who was stationed at the Impact Base, Brickdam Police Station, and resided at Lot 13 School Street, Vreed-en-Hoop, was shot by a 37-year-old businessman of Crane Housing Scheme. The suspect, who operates a cellular phone stall along Stelling Road, is a licensed firearm holder of a .32 Taurus pistol and has since been arrested.
Investigators said Hayes and the suspect were not previously known to each other. On Wednesday afternoon, Hayes reportedly visited the stall to inquire about purchasing several cellphones and later left.
Police said Hayes returned to the location Thursday morning, told the suspect he had come to buy a phone, and then exited the stall. The suspect was reportedly packing boxes when Hayes began behaving in a hostile manner. The suspect told him to leave, but Hayes allegedly threw a cellphone heater gun at him, striking him in the chest.
During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly drew his licensed firearm and discharged one round, hitting Hayes in the right side of his chest.
Hayes’s brother, Ron Hayes, who operates a nearby barbershop, rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshot and transported the injured officer to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Despite receiving treatment, Hayes succumbed to his injuries.
Medical personnel confirmed a single gunshot wound to the right chest area. Police have since seized the suspect’s firearm and license, processed him for gunshot residue, and placed him in custody pending further investigation.