Gunman opens fire on passenger in front seat of minibus

Quick thinking may have saved the life of an Ottley Hall van driver who escaped unharmed from a shooting last week.

Speaking with SEARCHLIGHT on Monday, an eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, recalled the events that unfolded around 7:05 a.m. last Thursday.

According to the eyewitness, a man known as Julian was operating his blue Toyota Hiace van between Kingstown and Ottley Hall when he picked up a man and his female companion.

The couple occupied the front seat of the vehicle, while three elderly women occupied the back.

Reports are that because of violent disturbances in the area, which is known for shooting and robberies, the driver was cautious while making his rounds.

According to the eyewitness, the driver refused to pick up a man who tried to board the van, but this man seemed to have gotten transportation elsewhere and caught up with the vehicle.

When the van, which had no conductor, reached a particular area in Edinboro, the driver stopped for a woman to disembark at a shop.

The eyewitness recalled suddenly hearing the male passenger who was seated in the front shout to the driver, “Drive! Drive! Drive!” A man, who later drew a firearm from his waist, was seen running towards the minivan and seemed unconcerned when the driver reportedly shouted to him, “me nah wa’ no stupidness happening round my vehicle”.

The minibus operator quickly switched off the vehicle and ran for his life.

A number of shots were fired, but no one was injured. However, the front windshield of the vehicle was damaged by one of the shots, along with the visor on the front door, located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.

The eyewitness could not identify the passenger, his girlfriend or the shooter; however, police officers are currently investigating the shooting. (AS)