Guyanese fugitive arrested in Suriname after years on the run

Philbert McPherson, a Guyanese man convicted in absentia for armed robbery and firearm offenses, has been arrested in Suriname after years in hiding. He was extradited to Guyana to serve a seven-year prison sentence.

Guyanese fugitive arrested in Suriname after years on the run

A Guyanese man who had been evading justice for several years was apprehended in Suriname over the weekend and handed over to authorities in his home country. Philbert McPherson, who faced multiple charges related to armed robbery and illegal weapons possession, will now serve a prison term he had previously avoided.

According to Times of Suriname, McPherson was taken into custody on Saturday following an Interpol notice. He was subsequently transferred to Guyana, where he had been sentenced to seven years behind bars while absent from the proceedings. Police sources confirmed that he is being escorted to prison to begin serving that sentence.

The case against McPherson dates back to 2018, when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Magistrates' Court in Georgetown. Prosecutors alleged that he possessed a handgun without a valid permit and committed several armed robberies. Despite the gravity of the accusations, he was released on bail by the High Court. Rather than attend subsequent hearings, he fled to Suriname, causing court proceedings to stall.

His disappearance prompted Guyanese authorities to seek international legal assistance, which ultimately led to his capture across the border. In addition to the robbery and weapons convictions, McPherson has also been named as a suspect in an unsolved murder. Collis Collison, known as "Juvenile," was shot in the chest on March 21, 2019, on Barr Street in Albouystown while preparing to celebrate his birthday during Phagwa festivities. Investigators at the time suggested the killing may have stemmed from a prolonged feud involving another former convict. No conviction has been secured in that homicide, though police say the investigation remains active.

With McPherson now back within reach of the justice system, law enforcement officials indicate that final arrangements are being made to formally place him in prison custody. His return marks the end of a prolonged absence and renews focus on unresolved violent crimes linked to his name.

Source: Google News SR — Crime