EFE News Service: Guyanese authorities on Sunday were continuing to investigate the death in police custody of one of two Venezuelans who allegedly beat and attempted to rob the owner of a hotel at gunpoint in eastern Guyana, near the border with Suriname, police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker said.
Robielkis Monte de Oca Arias began having difficulties breathing while in custody on Saturday and was taken to the public Skeldon Hospital, where he died while being treated, Whittaker said. Monte de Oca had sustained a wound over his left eye while he and his suspected accomplice jumped over a gate in the hotel compound in a bid to escape in one of several boats moored along the Corentyne River, which separates Guyana from Suriname, and investigators believe he hit his head on a concrete slope while fleeing, police said.
The Venezuelans rented a room Friday evening at the Malinmar Hotel from owner Rahat Ally, Whittaker said, adding that about two hours after arrival the men complained that the shower was not working properly and insisted that the hotel owner accompany them to take a look at the problem.
"As he entered the room, one of the men, who was armed with a firearm, held him at gunpoint and a scuffle ensued during which Rahat Ally was hit about the body with the firearm and a round was discharged," Whittaker said.
The Venezuelans attempted to escape after the gunshot drew the attention of Ally's wife and another hotel employee. As the men tried to start the engine of one of the boats, customs agents opened fire, forcing the suspects to abort their getaway. The firearm was not found.
In the past, Guyanese police have killed Venezuelans who were allegedly involved in cocaine smuggling, illegal entry, kidnapping or illegal fishing in Guyana's waters.
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