By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO robbery suspects are shot dead and an off-duty police officer nursing gunshot wounds following a failed robbery attempt in Wallerfield on Monday night.
In a release from the TTPS on Tuesday, police stated that detectives were still working to identify the two suspects. One suspect escaped in an awaiting vehicle.
According to police reports, at 8.45pm, police were contacted about a report of assault with intent to rob, wounding with intent and a fatal shooting at a business place located along Wallerfield Road, Arima.
Police dispatched a number of units, inclusive of Northern Division Task Force East (NDTFE), the Arima Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) at the scene.
Upon arrival, officers observed two men lying motionless with what appeared to be a firearm close by. Investigators were also informed that the proprietor was conducting business when three armed men entered the compound and announced a robbery.
During the alleged hold up, an off-duty police officer, the proprietor and a customer, all licensed firearm users, drew their weapons following which there was an exchange of gunfire. The suspects subsequently attempted to flee, however, two fell a short distance away and later succumbed to injuries sustained.
The off-duty police officer who sustained gunshot injuries to one of his legs was taken to the Arima General Hospital where he underwent medical treatment. He was subsequently discharged.
Crime scene investigators recovered an assortment of ammunition, metal projectile fragment and two nine millimetre pistols, one being retrieved near the body of one of the suspects with 10 live rounds and one spent in the ejection port.
The third suspect remains at large as investigations including the NDTFE, Arima CID and HBI, into the incident are ongoing.
