Cops arrest foiled robbers
(CNS): Update 12:15pm – Hell Service Station in West Bay could have become the latest gas station to be targeted by armed robbers. However, staff foiled the attempt at around 9pm last night (Monday 12 July). Police now have two men in custody in connection with the attempted robbery, who were both arrested later on Monday night. Police said that the attempt failed at Hell gas station as staff inside the store, who were about to close up, saw one man, who was hooded and wearing dark clothes, rushing towards the door. The staff pushed the robber away and quickly locked it preventing his entry before they activated the alarm. The suspected robber then ran off towards Watercourse Road. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
No one was injured during the attempt and the staff did not see a gun or other weapon.
Police saidthe two men were arrested after a patrol car spotted a suspect vehicle, a Toyota
Altezza, in the Cockspur Road area. Two people were in the car. The police officers signaled
the driver of the vehicle to stop. As the Toyota came to a halt the masked man jumped from the
passenger seat of the car and ran off. The driver, a 28-year-old man, was arrested and taken
into custody.
Altezza, in the Cockspur Road area. Two people were in the car. The police officers signaled
the driver of the vehicle to stop. As the Toyota came to a halt the masked man jumped from the
passenger seat of the car and ran off. The driver, a 28-year-old man, was arrested and taken
into custody.
Officers immediately cordoned off the area where they suspected the masked man was hiding.
A K-9 officer carried out a search and ashort time later the officer and his dog located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. He is 26 years of age.
A K-9 officer carried out a search and ashort time later the officer and his dog located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. He is 26 years of age.
Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing and they confirmed that no weapons were recovered when the men were arrested.
Detective Sergeant Dave Morrison of West Bay CID is appealing for anyone who was in the area of the gas station at the relevant time last night and witnessed the incident to come forward.
“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who saw the masked man running off from the scene
or the getaway car to get in contact,” he said. Morrison also commended the member of staff at the gas station. “This man did not panic when he saw the suspect running towards him he calmly stopped him entering the premises and closed the door. His activation of the alarm allowed police resources to get there quickly, and arrest the suspects.
or the getaway car to get in contact,” he said. Morrison also commended the member of staff at the gas station. “This man did not panic when he saw the suspect running towards him he calmly stopped him entering the premises and closed the door. His activation of the alarm allowed police resources to get there quickly, and arrest the suspects.
“We would always urge people to take the utmost care when confronted by would-be robbers
and remember that their own personal safety is a top priority. Do not put yourself in danger but
alert the police as quickly as possible and provide as detailed descriptions as you can. This will
assist the enquiry and ensure that we have all the information available to help us trace the
people responsible.”
and remember that their own personal safety is a top priority. Do not put yourself in danger but
alert the police as quickly as possible and provide as detailed descriptions as you can. This will
assist the enquiry and ensure that we have all the information available to help us trace the
people responsible.”
Anyone with information should call West Bay police station on 949-3999, or the confidential
Crime Stoppers tip-line 800-8477 (TIPS).
Crime Stoppers tip-line 800-8477 (TIPS).
Police said that enquiries are continuing but did not say if the two suspects are connecting to any of the other gas station robberies that have taken place over the last few weeks.
Category: Headline News
Let us congratulate the work our officers are doing! They need our support – not our criticism and slander!
Good Work!
What amazing staff! and what a very courageous man for preventing entry and having the presence of mind to activate the alarm.
It is people like this man who I remember from the Cayman of my youth. Calm, peaceful and solid.
I hope that this action, and the actions of the staff from another location who prevented entry to robbers, are the beginning of a no tolerance policy by the people of Cayman for this sort of behaviour.
No matter whether these individuals are home grown or come from "foreign" it’s time for us to step up and stop expecting the RCIP’s to do everything.
We need to identify those that are committing these crimes and report them to the police – seriously now, 3 weeks to catch Chad Anglin – I’m not criticising the police but those that harboured him – I hope those that were are charged to the fullest extent of the law. Shame on unna!
We’re no longer a quiet, small community but one that has grown very quickly and we need to lose our small town mentality and realise that we can’t protect those that are committing crimes whether they are family or not.
Although I don’t venture out of my backyard too often and travel to the republic (smile) I will definitely be stopping by to say thanks to this man for his bravery!
Thank you to our loyal staff, customers and friends for your support during these most trying days. Without you and your encouragement this small business would not be able to exist or continue during our current crime wave that our beautiful island is experiencing. As most West Bayers know this is a small family owned and operated gas station that has been operating at this location for over 30 years. It is very hurtful to see comments like what MonkeySee wrote as we certainly don’t see our customers, friends, and family as "riff raff" or acting suspiciously by stopping by and having a cup of free hot coffee every morning before work (6-9am) as we have done since we got power from a generator after "HURRICANE IVAN!" Is it wrong for people- friends, family, customers- to gather together, drink a cup of coffee, eat a sandwich, tell a fish story, tell an early morning or evening lie and make someone laugh? Please do not label all our customers, friends and family as "riff raff" because we love them all and it is because of their love for my family that our small business is still open. Ask anyone who "Aunt Lett" is or watch 30 year old kids cry, hug and kiss her whenever she makes it down togas station for a quick visit. Aunt Lett sponsored a Christmas Party for her kids for over 20 years at the Town Hall Field because she felt so fortunate that the West Bay Community had given her so much. MonkeySee I hope you now see the truth about our small business, our loyal staff, our loyal friends, and loyal West Bay Community. On behalf of my family, thank youfriends and thank you God for protecting our staff and my brother through this incident. MonkeySee why were all the other businesses robbed?
With Sincere Love, Arden
Very moving post and of the type that should be on this blog. Identified, and all credit to you, and responding with identity to criticism from some one who hides behind a ridiculous pseudonym. Yes, I remain anonymous as I am not allowed to identify myself – there again I have only ever attempted to be constructive and positive in the small number of posts I have made!
Great observation and precaution taken by the staff. They should be commended for their actions.
Five thumbs up for the staff, whom I am sure they were Caymanians or yardies. good job of being on the look out. We will learn one day what is best us.
Happy to hear that the attendants were thinking proactively….and I’m sure this isn’t the full story! Day & night there are suspicious individuals ‘hanging out’ by Hell gas station so these must have done something extra to stand apart from the regular riff raff!
Glad no one was injured….
Well Done RCIPS! Two excellent arrests! Excellent team work! You should all be very proud! You may be down and on your knees but you came up fighting!
Well done to the police & employees.
I’mnot sure CNS quoting witnesses as saying "no guns seen" is a good idea as the cops can’t now question the suspects about weapons as they know there are no witnesses & can deny everything about using weapons. Good reporting otherwise though.
CNS: That piece of information was supplied by the investigating officer.
Great thinking on the gas station staff part.
Nice work by the cops also.
Thank you God for prayers answered by working through smart people! I love to see and hear when people respond and not react.
West Bayers smart people good job!