AN off-duty police officer thwarted an attempted robbery on Mausica Road on Sunday, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a firearm.
The incident unfolded around 12.38 am as a male driver was heading south on Mausica Road. He stopped at a traffic light when he noticed two men approaching his vehicle, one armed with a gun. In an attempt to avert the threat, the driver quickly drove away, but the suspects pursued him.
A nearby motorist, who happened to be an off-duty police officer, witnessed the scene and took decisive action. Announcing his identity as a police officer, he confronted the suspects.
The armed suspect allegedly pointed his weapon at the officer, prompting him to draw his personal firearm in self-defence. The officer discharged several shots, hitting the suspect, who then collapsed after running a short distance.
The officer pursued the suspect and seized a Beretta pistol loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. The second suspect managed to flee the scene and remains at large.
Officers from the Arima Police Station responded promptly, securing the firearm and transporting the 31-year-old suspect to the Arima hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds to his leg.
