A would-be armed robber was shot dead in an attempted “military style raid” on a John Chea foodstore over the weekend.
Anton Smith died at Princess Margaret Hospital late Friday night after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Police believe Smith received the injuries during an attempted armed robbery of foodstore owner Sidney Chea which quickly escalated into a shootout.
According to reports, four armed men- tried to rob the John Chea and Sons Food Store No 8 on Carmichael Road, close to Golden House Road.
Mr Chea was closing up the store sometime after 9pm and walking to his vehicle when he was accosted by a group of men who had just got out of a black Nissan.
They demanded cash and subsequently began to beat him, officer-in-charge of the CDU, Chief Supt Marvin Dames, told The Tribune yesterday.
The incident was witnessed by the store’s security guard, who came rushing outside to assist Mr Chea.
According to eye-witnesses, Mr Chea had just managed to “wriggle free” of his attackers when a shoot-out ensued between the security guard and the would-be robbers.
It is believed the foodstore’s security guard is part of an elite unit within the Defence Force and, a marksman who ‘moonlights’ at the John Chea store.”
Witnesses to the incident claim that one of the would-be robbers was carrying an AK-47 automatic.
“It seemed like the men were planning a military-style raid using that kind of weapon,” The Tribune was told.
Witnesses claimed a church event, which was being held across the road from the foodstore, was used as a cover by the attackers to camouflage their operation.
A Tribune source said there were many people and vehicles in the area at the time, which initially made it easier for the suspects to go unnoticed.
During the shoot-out one of the four men was shot and, as he slumped to the ground, he sprayed the store and a truck standing nearby with bullets.
His three accomplices then dragged him away to their vehicle, which sped off in an unknown direction.
“A short time afterwards, police received reports that a man had been admitted to PMH by persons describing themselves as his friends. He was suffering from gunshot wounds and died shortly after he was admitted,” Chief Supt Mmes said.
Witnesses claimed that all four men received gunshot wounds during the attack.
Quick-thinking police are now investigating a possible connection between the death of Smith and the shootout at the John Chea store. [Duh!]
The store’s owner, Sidney Chea – the son of John Chea, founder of the foodstore chain who died in 1968 – was unharmed during the incident.
By KARIN HERIG Tribune Staff Reporter
