There has been an outpouring of sympathy and concern at the news that Desmond Richardson, popularly known as “Shine”, has lost his right leg after having been shot by an intruder at the West End gas station.

The attempted robbery and shooting occurred on the night of November 16 at the business premises where police found Richardson, the owner, with an injury to his leg. According to reports reaching the police, an assailant dressed in black clothing and masked, attacked Mr. Richardson and shot him in his right leg, while he was closing down the gas station.

Richardson was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he was detained. It is understood that efforts to take him to Antigua did not materialise on Saturday, November 18, and so he was flown to Puerto Rico on Monday, November 20, instead. Reports reached Anguilla later that his leg was amputated.

While the Royal Anguilla Police Service continues its appeal for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the assailant, the incident has fuelled much concern and anger throughout the island.
There have been previous robbery incidents at the West End gas station, the only such facility serving the community there. Richardson himself has been through at least two traffic accidents but was able to carry on his productive life and service on the island.

It is hoped that the indomitable courage and spirit of this hard-working, greatly respected and beloved gentleman will enable him to surmount his present misfortune. It is also hoped that the perpetrator of this crime will be identified and brought to justice in due course.

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