Police have commended a security guard in Masindi for his bravery after he fought off armed suspects who allegedly attacked him during an attempted robbery at a fuel station.
The incident occurred at about midnight at Gaz Fuel Station in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, when two suspects travelling on a motorcycle, registration number UGG 529B, allegedly confronted the guard while armed with a gun and a knife.
According to police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke, the suspects initially attempted to deceive the guard by asking him to help reposition and properly park their motorcycle before launching the attack.
The guard, however, became suspicious and resisted when one of the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at him.
Rusoke said the guard’s decision to fight back and raise an alarm helped foil the robbery and enabled police to respond quickly.
“At about midnight, two armed suspects travelling on a motorcycle attacked a security guard deployed at Gaz Fuel Station. They were armed with a gun and a knife and attempted to overpower the guard,” Rusoke said.
He said the suspects tried to lure the guard into helping them park their motorcycle.
“They attempted to lure him into repositioning their motorcycle and parking it properly. But by the time he took notice of their intentions, the suspects had already started the attack.”
According to Rusoke, the guard refused to surrender even after being put at gunpoint.
“The guard managed to put up a fight. A struggle ensued between him and one of the suspects, despite the fact that the suspect was armed.”
The confrontation attracted the attention of people nearby after the guard raised an alarm.
“He made a lot of noise during the struggle, and members of the public responded by calling the police. Our officers quickly responded to the scene,” Rusoke said.
Police managed to arrest one of the suspects, identified as Ronald Odoma, 43, while the second suspect escaped.
“We managed to arrest Odoma Ronald, aged 43, who is now in police custody. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the second suspect,” Rusoke said.
Officers also recovered a pump-action firearm, a knife and the motorcycle allegedly used during the attempted robbery.
“We managed to recover a pump-action firearm, a knife and the motorcycle. These are now part of the exhibits as investigations continue,” Rusoke said.
The police spokesperson particularly praised the security guard for refusing to be intimidated by the armed attackers.
“We would like to commend the vigilance and bravery of the security guard. His courage and alertness helped to prevent the suspects from carrying out their plan.”
Rusoke said the incident demonstrated the importance of security personnel remaining alert while on duty, particularly those guarding businesses at night.
“We continue to urge members of the public, security personnel and business operators to remain vigilant and alert,” he said.
He cautioned security guards against becoming complacent while on duty.
“Many guards at beats of this kind are not always alert. Criminals can take advantage of such lapses, especially at night, and that is why vigilance is very important.”
Rusoke said police would continue pursuing the second suspect as investigations into the attempted robbery continue.
“Investigations are ongoing, and our efforts are focused on identifying and apprehending the second suspect and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery,” he said.
