By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are on the hunt for suspects, in addition to the two already in custody, for an armed robbery at a Paradise Island hotel on Saturday night, the head of the Central Detective Unit confirmed yesterday.

Supt Paul Rolle said that while they had only two men in custody, “we believe that at least five persons were involved in this robbery”.

“However, we’re not going to release the identities of who we are looking for just yet as our investigations are still ongoing. But we continue and renew our appeal to members of the public who may have information to contact us,” he added.

“Cash and jewellery were taken, as is the usual in armed robberies. And persons who see a relative come home sporting a Rolex watch or some other high-end brand name jewellery should be concerned and alerted by this.”

Around 8pm on Saturday, three men armed with a handgun forced their way into a room of a small hotel located on the island, where they robbed three men and two women – all Bahamians – of an undetermined amount of cash and jewellery before fleeing on foot.

Police response to the incident was quick as several police cars were at the foot of the bridge and at Potters Cay Dock questioning motorists entering and leaving the area, causing a traffic buildup.

The Tribune understands that the hotel in question was the Sunshine Paradise Guest House.

This latest incident comes after the US Embassy’s March 29 warning to its citizens about crime, highlighting an incident involving “three assailants” who attempted to rob an armoured truck parked in front of Wendy’s restaurant on Cable Beach.

The attempted armed robbery was made known in the embassy’s warning, but not included in the local crime report sent out to the media.

The US embassy had also issued a crime warning two months before this, highlighting several cases that took place this year, including the “brutal” murder of an American man living in Grand Bahama; the armed robbery of a US citizen at a beach in New Providence and armed robberies at two popular shopping centres.

Police are actively investigating Saturday’s incident and appeal to the public to anonymously call them at 919 or CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477) (New Providence) or 1-242-300-8476 (Family Islands).