TTPS to criminals: Stay out of North Eastern Division

Senior Reporter

anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt

Two days after police killed one man and injured another during a robbery attempt in Aranguez, senior police officials in the North Eastern Division (NED) have issued a warning to criminals to stay out of the district or deal with the consequences.

The message followed Monday’s attempted robbery of a Blue Waters delivery truck along the Aranguez Main Road, around 1.30 pm.

Police said the driver and another employee were confronted by the two suspects, one of whom was armed, as they stopped to purchase a meal in the vicinity of Mangra Trace.

Investigators said an off-duty policeman driving past saw what was happening and called for backup. The driver was robbed of personal belongings, including cash and valuables, along with the day’s cash sales, while nothing was taken from the second victim.

Officers from the NED Task Force, the Inter-Agency Task Force, the Barataria CID and other units responded and pursued the three suspects who reportedly shot at them, prompting them to return fire.

One suspect was shot and later died at hospital, while a second was injured but managed to escape along with the driver of the silver Nissan Wingroad.

The second suspect was later found in the Aranguez district, bleeding from gunshot wounds.

He was arrested and a firearm along with 14 rounds of ammunition was found. He was taken to hospital, where he remained under police guard up to yesterday.

The third suspect was arrested hours later.

Police later identified the dead suspect as Atiba David, 22, of Jacobin Street, Morvant.

Police confirmed he was known to them and had several pending matters for similar offences.

The investigation is continuing.

Applauding the various units of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) that provided support during the incident, Snr Supt of the NED, Mervyn Edwards, commended the public for working with law enforcement to ensure the suspects were held.

On their crime-fighting plans for the upcoming Christmas season, Edwards advised, “I want to urge business people and salesmen to be extra careful and vigilant, and if you see something, say something.

“We the police are here to serve you and make our country safer and better.”

Regarding this police-involved shooting, Guardian Media understands that a First Division officer has been assigned to investigate as per TTPS regulations.

Also probing the matter are officials from the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) alongside the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

Supt Birch has been assigned to lead the investigation.

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