Two people are now nursing gunshot wounds following a daring daylight robbery around 1 p.m. today at Babbs Mini-Mart at Dayrells Road, Christ Church.
Stephen Babb, 48, of St Matthias, Christ Church received an injury to his left hand, while his 26 year old nephew, Dwight Babb of Brittons Hill, St Michael, received a wound to the left side of his back. Both were later discharged after receiving medical attention at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Victim Stephen Babb in a blood stained shirt after receiving treatment.
This evening, several members of the Babb family and fellow workers converged outside the Accident and Emergency Department anxiously awaiting word on the condition of their family member and friend.
Dwight Babb received a wound on the left side of his back.
Speaking to a team from Barbados TODAY shortly after being discharged, the elder Babb said:“I saw a man sweeping in front of the church, which is on the other side of the road. He was wearing a hat and a scarf. I was not aware that my nephew had been attacked by the assailant since I had gone to the rear of the mini-mart to receive a delivery of drinks.
“When I came into the mini-mart he shot me in my left hand and shot my nephew in the back. My nephew threw the money at the assailant and he fled the scene. I do not know how much money the assailant got away with and I cannot recall if I paid the man who delivered the drinks,” said Babb, who was shaken by the entire episode.
Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force, Inspector David Welch revealed that the assailant was dressed in blue overalls and a scarf and wore shades.
Crime Prevention Officer Station Sergeant Stephen Griffith, who was also on the crime scene, issued a word of caution to persons who handle large amounts of cash as the Christmas Season approaches.
“Over the pre-Christmas season we are asking business owners to be a lot more vigilant in the way they handle up front cash procedures.
“They should encourage their staff to follow best practices in terms of handling cash and also persons using the streets and lonely areas should be extremely careful . . . . You must not have slack or predictable practices by staff or owners of the place during this Yuletide period,” he stressed.
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