Police in Masindi have foiled an attempted armed robbery at Gaz Petro Station in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, arresting one of the two suspects who allegedly attacked a security guard at the fuel station.
The incident occurred at around midnight when two armed men travelling on motorcycle registration number UGG 529P reportedly targeted the security guard deployed at the station.
According to police, the suspects were armed with a pump action shotgun and a knife and attempted to overpower the guard, disarm him and rob the premises.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects first attempted to lure the guard into repositioning their motorcycle, apparently with the intention of attacking him. They subsequently held him at gunpoint, leading to a struggle during which the guard sustained injuries while resisting the attackers,” police said.
The confrontation was interrupted after a police patrol team responded swiftly to the scene following the attack.
Police officers intervened and managed to foil the robbery, rescuing the injured security guard and arresting one of the suspects at the scene.
The suspect was identified as Odoma Ronald, 43, who was taken into police custody to assist with investigations.
Police said officers also recovered a pump action firearm, a knife and the motorcycle registration number UGG 529P, which is suspected to have been used in the attempted robbery.
“The Uganda Police Force has foiled an attempted armed robbery at Gaz Petro Station in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, Masindi District, and arrested one suspect,” police said in a statement issued on Monday.
The second suspect reportedly fled the scene and remains at large. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest him as investigations continue.
The security guard, who sustained injuries during the struggle with the attackers, was rescued following the intervention by the police patrol team.
Police commended the guard for his vigilance and bravery in resisting the attackers and praised the officers who responded to the incident.
“The Uganda Police Force commends the vigilance and bravery of the security guard, as well as the prompt response by the police officers who intervened,” the statement said.
Police have urged security guards, business operators and members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly at business premises operating during night hours.
The force also called on the public to promptly report suspicious individuals, movements or activities to the nearest police station to help prevent robberies and other crimes.
Investigations remain ongoing as police pursue the second suspect and work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery.
