Police in Masindi District have foiled an attempted armed robbery at Gaz Petro Station in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, and arrested one of the suspects believed to have been involved in the attack.
The incident happened at about midnight when two suspects reportedly arrived at the fuel station on a motorcycle registered as UGG 529P. According to police, the suspects targeted a security guard who was on duty at the station.
Police said the two men were armed with a pump-action shotgun and a knife. They allegedly attacked the security guard and attempted to overpower him before disarming him and stealing from the fuel station.
The situation, however, did not go as the suspects had planned. Police responded to the incident and managed to foil the robbery attempt. One of the suspects was arrested, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the other suspect who reportedly escaped.
The arrest has provided investigators with an important lead as they work to establish the identities of the suspects and determine whether they could be linked to other robbery incidents in the area.
Police are also expected to examine the motorcycle used during the attempted robbery and gather further evidence that could help in the ongoing investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of businesses operating late at night, particularly fuel stations and other establishments that handle cash. Security guards working at such facilities are often exposed to criminals who attempt to take advantage of the darkness and reduced public activity.
Police have continued to urge members of the public and business owners to remain vigilant, especially during late-night hours, and to report suspicious movements to security authorities.
The arrested suspect is expected to assist police with investigations as authorities work to bring all those involved in the attempted robbery to justice.
