CANU says it came under gunfire on America St
By Nigel Williams
Stabroek News
December 19, 2002
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) yesterday said that some of its members came under gunfire in the vicinity of America and Water streets.
And in a related incident a mobile salesman received a superficial wound to his right arm following a shooting incident around 11 am in the same area.
Ken La Rose, 18, of 84 Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara was hit by a bullet that came from a passing vehicle.
La Rose, who was at the time proceeding south on the western side of Water Street in the vicinity of Queensway Store, was hit while conducting his business.
He was immediately taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he received treatment prior to being discharged.
CANU yesterday said that a vehicle in which officers of that unit were travelling came under gunfire from unknown assailants in the vicinity of America and Water streets at around 11:15 am. CANU said the vehicle was damaged.
Sources in the area told Stabroek News that only a single shot was heard causing persons in the vicinity to scramble for cover.
La Rose, this newspaper understands, shortly before the incident, had seen a car approaching him from a southern direction which on reaching alongside him had slowed. Shortly afterwards, he is said to have recalled hearing what was thought to be a gunshot and almost instantaneously realised he had been shot.
The police, Stabroek News was informed, have since taken a statement from La Rose and are investigating the incident.
In the statement, CANU warned persons who may be inclined to perpetrate unlawful acts against the unit that it is prepared to respond appropriately to any attacks on members.
CANU's number two Vibert Inniss was killed by gunmen at Buxton earlier this year and prior to that CANU's headquarters on Homestretch Avenue had come under attack from gunmen.
