Man doused with acid during birthday celebration in Bartica, suspect at large

A 38-year-old man was doused with acid while celebrating his birthday in Bartica on Tuesday night.

The police are searching for the suspect, identified as Wayne Johnson, also known as ‘Wayne,’ who fled the scene after the attack.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred around 21:30h at the home of the victim, Jermaine Thornhill, located at One ¾ Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica, Essequibo River.

Thornhill, a driver, was celebrating his birthday with family and friends, including the suspect when the situation turned violent.

According to the police report, Thornhill and Johnson were consuming alcoholic beverages when a disagreement broke out between the victim and his wife.

The suspect intervened in the argument despite Thornhill asking him to stay out of it. Annoyed by this, Thornhill asked Johnson to leave the celebration.

Johnson initially complied but returned five minutes later, approaching Thornhill with a container in hand.

He allegedly said, “Thornhill, look this acid,” before throwing the liquid at the victim. Thornhill managed to turn away, but the corrosive substance splashed onto his back and hands.

Johnson immediately fled the scene on a motorcycle, and Thornhill, suffering from severe pain, was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital by his wife and relatives.

He is hospitalised in stable condition, nursing burn injuries to his back and hands.