Cops search for 'Cinderella' bandit

WHAT bandits thought might have been an easy target when they robbed a 56-year-old South Oropouche businessman almost cost them their lives when he drew his registered gun and opened fire at them in the afternoon of October 3.

The victim told police that around 4.05 pm, he was about to get into his Ford Ranger pickup after leaving an Aripero bakery when two men approached him. One drew a gun, announced a hold-up and began searching him. The victim handed the man the key to his pickup, and he gave it to his accomplice, who got into the pickup and tried to start it.

The first assailant continued searching the victim, took $1,200 out of his pocket and tossed it to his accomplice. During the incident, the man said, he drew his gun and shot at the armed man who was searching him. The suspect shot back as both assailants ran away.

Police responded and took the victim's firearm for safekeeping until investigations were concluded.

Crime scene investigators found ten spent rounds and a rubber slipper believed to belong to one of the assailants.