IN pouring rain and in rush hour city traffic, a shootout occurred resulting in the death of a suspect involved in kidnapping and car-hijacking.
A video of the shooting on Monday in front of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) campus in Port of Spain has been shared widely on social media.
In the video, shots could be heard with police officers running down the suspect.
Police reports are that around 8.30 am, the victim, a 39-year-old “PH’ driver from Morvant was in his Nissan B15 vehicle with a lone occupant.
The driver was plying the Port-of-Spain to Carenage route. The occupant was seated in the front passenger seat.
Upon reaching Skallywag Bay, Chaguaramas, the occupant pulled a firearm and announced a robbery. He ordered the driver out of the vehicle and instead placed him in the trunk, driving off.
While he was in the trunk, the driver called the Command Centre from his cell phone.
He attempted to escape by opening the trunk and getting out but was shot in the leg.
The suspect then sped off with the vehicle.
The victim was taken to the St James Infirmary by officers of Chaguaramas Development Authority for medical treatment.
The vehicle was spotted by officers on patrol near Waterhole, Cocorite and pursued.
Via communication with Command Centre, an exercise was coordinated where police officers were strategically dispatched and positioned.
Around 9.30 am, the suspect was seen arriving in the vehicle at Wrightson Road by officers placed at the corner of French and Wrightson Road.
As he approached French Street, the suspect opened fire on the parked police vehicle. He exited the vehicle he stole and continued firing at officers. The officers returned fire.
The suspect was shot and collapsed near the UTT campus.
He was taken to the St James Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 10 am.
