Published: 28th of October, 2025 by Patrick Carpen
Last updated: March 27, 2026 at 6:45 amCover photo shows the suspect in police van and a wanted bulletin image in inset.
On the evening of Sunday, 26th of October, 2025, at around 7:23 PM, a deadly blast shattered the peace at a gas station in central Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana. A 6-year-old girl was killed in the explosion and several persons injured. There was also significant damage to vehicles and nearby infrastructure.
CCTV footage released early next morning showed a man walking to the service station with a large, bulky, black plastic bag in his hand. He attempted to place the plastic bag in the garbage bin next to the fuel pumps but the pump attendant on duty barred the action. He departed and subsequently placed it at another locality in the service station compound.
After the blast at the Mobil Service Station, investigators quickly concluded that it was caused by an explosive device, or bomb, placed on the premises. The man on CCTV footage was quickly labeled the prime suspect. Within 24 hours, the police arrested 3 persons suspected of being linked to the crime.
As the nation grappled to come to terms with this national tragedy, police scrambled to find the criminal who had bombed the gas station. Investigators attempted to use artificial intelligence technology to zoom in and clarify screengrabs from the CCTV footage in an effort to identify the suspect. However, it appears that the AI enhanced images were faulty. Within 48 hours, the suspect was named and a photo of him was posted on a police-issued wanted bulletin.
Investigator’s Use Artificial Intelligence technology to Try to Identify the Suspect
On the morning of Monday, 27th of October, 2025, at around 6:00 AM, the Guyana Police Force posted AI enhanced images that were taken from the CCTV footage of the suspect entering the gas station. However, it turns out that the ai enhanced pictures were misleading and not close to the suspect’s actual appearance.
Police Launches Investigation
On the morning of Monday, 27th of October, 2025, at around 7:00 AM, the Guyana Police Force issued a statement that they have launched an investigation into the deadly gas station bombing.
Police Statement – 27th of October, 2025 @ 7:00 AM
𝑮𝑷𝑭 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑭𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
Police are investigating a major explosion that occurred at the Mobil Fuel Station located at Regent and King Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown, around 19:36hrs on Sunday October 26, 2025 which claimed the life of a child and left four others injured.
Preliminary investigations revealed that earlier in the evening, a male of mixed ethnicity, believed to be a Spanish speaking foreign national, was seen at the location with two bulky black plastic garbage bags. He reportedly attempted to dispose of the bags in a garbage bin at the station but was prevented from doing so by an attendant. The individual subsequently left the area, heading south along King Street to the western side of the fuel station.
At approximately 19:36hrs, a powerful explosion was heard on the southwestern side of the compound, near the section where bottled cooking gas is stored. The blast caused extensive damage to the building, several parked vehicles and nearby properties.
At the time of the explosion, motor car PTT 8275, a silver Toyota Premio, was in the compound with driver Jenica Hooper, 27 years, a teacher of Breeda Street, Werk-en-Rust; her mother, Yvonne Jonas, 71 years, a pensioner; her nieces, Soraya Bourne, 6 years (now deceased), and Seddia McIntosh, 12 years, a student; along with her nephew, Reshard Lord, 7 years, a pupil – all of the said address.
They were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where Soraya Bourne was pronounced dead on arrival. The other victims were treated for injuries and remain in stable condition.
The explosion also damaged four other motor vehicles and caused minor structural damage to a nearby building.
Ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters led by senior officers processed the scene and collected several items of evidential value, including fragments of black plastic bags and adhesive tape, which have been sent for forensic analysis. CCTV footage has been obtained and is being reviewed to assist investigators.
The Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken along with his Executive Leadership Team and the entire Guyana Police Force extend deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of young Soraya Bourne during this time of immense grief. The Force also wishes a speedy recovery to the injured victims and assures the public that every effort is being made to bring justice in this tragic matter.
Investigations are continuing.
Police Arrest Three Suspects
Yesterday evening, 27th of October, 2025, at around 8 PM, the Guyana Police Force issued a statement that they had arrested three suspects in connection with the bombing of the service station.
Police Update – 27th of October, 2025 @ 8 PM
𝑼𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆: 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝑮𝑷𝑭 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏
The Guyana Police Force wishes to provide an update on the investigation into the tragic explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Mobil Fuel Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of a child and left four others injured.
Since the issuance of the earlier statement, investigators have made significant progress. Three individuals, including a male Venezuelan national, have been taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation.
Earlier today, acting on intelligence and CCTV analysis, investigators conducted a coordinated operation that led to the interception of a silver motor car (PSS 7874) which was used to transport one of the suspects. The vehicle was subsequently located and the three mentioned individuals were arrested and are in custody.
Information obtained from these arrests has provided key leads to investigators. The principal suspect, who remains at large, is being actively sought as the investigation continues.
A Wanted Bulletin has been issued for the suspect, who is believed to be of Spanish-speaking nationality. The Guyana Police Force urges anyone who may have seen or interacted with this individual or who may have information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or call 911 immediately.
Investigators continue to assess the scene of the explosion. Damage was observed to the Mobil minimart, storage bond, and four fuel pumps, as well as to several nearby buildings – including the KFC outlet, adjoining commercial establishments and portions of the High Court – consistent with shockwave impact from the blast.
Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory have collected samples, including plastic and metal fragments which are being analysed to determine their origin and evidential value.
The Guyana Police Force remains resolute and diligent in advancing this investigation. Every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice and to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Wanted Bulletin Posted
Early this morning, 26th of October, 2025, at around 7 AM, the Guyana Police posted a wanted bulletin for the suspect in the bombing of the gas station.
Police Finds Clothing Worn by Suspect
At around 11 AM today, 28th of October, 2025, the Guyana Police Force issued a statement that they had found the clothing worn by the suspect during the terrorist act.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
— 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔
The Guyana Police Force wishes to provide a 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 on the investigation into the tragic explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Mobil Fuel Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of a child and left four others injured.
The Guyana Police Force has obtained a positive identification of the principal offender (Spanish-speaking foreign national), for whom a Wanted Bulletin was issued for Terrorism. At this time, the Guyana Police Force would also like to release the following photograph, showing the clothing which the suspect wore during the perpetration of the deadly crime, which was found at a location in Region Three.
The GPF’s Corporate Communications Unit will provide further updates as the Police pursue the suspect and investigations continue.
Reward Offered
At around 1 PM today, 28th of October, 2025, the police posted a reward-offered notice of 5 million Guyana dollars for information leading to arrest of the suspect.
Suspect Nabbed
At around 3PM today, 28th of October, 2025, the Guyana Police Force posted via their Facebook page that they had apprehended the suspect.
Acting on information received, a team of Police headed by a Superintendent, went to Vergenoegen sideline dam, East Bank Essequibo, today (Tuesday, October 28th, 2025), where the main perpetrator (terrorist suspect), Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, was promptly arrested. He is presently in Police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigations into the tragic explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Mobil Fuel Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of a child and left four others injured. – Guyana Police Force
The police posted the photo below of the suspect in the police van.
Police Say Suspect Confessed
Many persons expressed doubts as to whether the image on the wanted bulletin and the suspect arrested today were the same. Although the facial features bore a striking resemblance, the image on the wanted bulletin appeared to show a person of much lighter complexion. Further, the man seen on CCTV footage appeared to be taller and more built. However, police, during a press conference held today, 28th of October, 2025, at around 6:30 PM, said that the suspect was positively identified by one of his accomplices and that he confessed to the crime during interrogation. The police told reporters that 9 persons are presently in custody and that the prime suspect was identified by one of his accomplices in custody.
President Ali Calls for Death Sentence
President Ali said yesterday, 27th of October, 2025, in a Facebook Post, that the death penalty will be sought for the person who bombed the service station. He referenced legislation which states that persons who commit terrorist acts are eligible for the death penalty.
THE CRIMINAL LAW OFFENCES ACT CHAPTER 8:01:
Police Press Statement
The police this evening, 28th of October, 2025, at around 7:30 PM, issued a press statement in relation to the arrest of the suspect in the gas station bombing.
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐌𝐑. 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐍
…𝑶𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒍 𝑭𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
The Guyana Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the October 26, 2025 explosion at the Mobil Fuel Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown – an act that tragically claimed the life of 6-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four other persons injured.
Preliminary investigations revealed that on the night in question, a male Spanish-speaking individual was observed in the vicinity of the fuel station carrying one large black plastic bag. Moments later, a powerful explosion occurred on the western side of the premises, resulting in the death of an eight-year-old child, injuries to four other persons and significant structural damage to the gas station and several nearby buildings and vehicles.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
From the onset, a Special Investigative Task Force was established comprising members of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, Regional Divisions 3, 4A, and 4B and other key stakeholders, supported by intelligence and forensic experts. The investigation was coordinated from the highest level of the Force, with continuous oversight by the Commissioner of Police and his Executive Leadership Team.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
The Force, in collaboration with the Safe City Command Centre and allied intelligence agencies, utilized video-forensic analysis, digital tracking, and data correlation to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the incident. Acting on a credible information and through inter-agency coordination and field intelligence, investigators were able to locate the suspect at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam, East Bank Essequibo, where he was captured earlier today Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in a coordinated operation led by a Superintendent.
This success underscores the integration of modern policing technology with traditional investigative work, demonstrating the Force’s growing capacity in counter-terrorism and digital intelligence operations.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The main suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan national, is presently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
Several other persons of interest are being questioned as the Force expands its probe to determine whether the act was part of a larger organized network or a lone-wolf operation.
Investigators are also working closely with regional and international counterparts, including INTERPOL, to verify the suspect’s background and possible affiliations.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐭
Based on the evidence gathered thus far, detectives are establishing the elements to support the charges of Sections 309A and 309B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Additional charges relating to murder, attempted murder, arson and malicious damage to property are being actively pursued, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬
As Commissioner of Police, I want to commend the exceptional work of our investigators, intelligence analysts and all ranks involved in the swift apprehension of the suspect.
This incident demonstrates the Force’s capability, discipline and professionalism, supported by the effective use of technology and intelligence-led policing.
The Guyana Police Force remains resolute and relentless in its duty to protect the public, ensuring that any act of terror or violence is met with decisive and lawful action.
𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
The investigation remains active as investigators continue to examine all evidence to determine the motive, origin and any wider connections surrounding the attack.
End Quote
Main Suspect Admits Guilt in Court
On Monday 23rd of March 2026, the gas station bomber sent the court into uproar as he interrupted the court process to admit guilt saying he wants to cooperate with prosecutors to bring the case to end. He claimed he acted alone and that those who were arrested together with him are not involved in the plot.
The prosecutors said they are deliberating the way forward. Meanwhile, the Guyanese public hold their breath in anticipation of what might be revealed next. Who was the mastermind behind the attack? What was the motive? The attacker has hinted that he might take it to his grave, but time will tell.
