By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO law enforcement officers killed each other in a shootout on Sunday.
Dead are Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Jabary Francois, 33, and police officer Jomo Gulston, 38.
Gulston was last assigned to the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Guard and Emergency Branch. He lived at Upper Irving Street, San Juan. Francois, last assigned to the Coast Guard’s Special Naval Unit lived at Waterwheel Road, River Estate, Diego Martin.
According to reports around 2.20 am, Gulston allegedly dropped off a female friend at North Post Road in Diego Martin.
Francois walked up to Gulston’s Nissan AD Wagon and tapped on the windshield. The men had a brief argument over the female individual known to both before Francois drew a firearm and began shooting at Gulston.
Gulston returned fire with his 9mm pistol.
Francois, who got shot to his chest left side, ran a short distance away before collapsing. He died at the scene.
Gulston was shot seven times but was able to drive a short distance away before crashing into a gate.
Both men were pronounced dead by a District Medical Officer (DMO).
In a press release issued, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard extended condolences.
“The T&T Coast Guard wishes to extend sincerest condolences to the families and friends of all those involved in this regrettable situation and wishes to assure the public of its continued dedication to the Republic of T&T and to the rule of law and order through cooperation with agencies within the national security framework,” public affairs officer Lieutenant Kerron Valere said.
Valere added that the Coast Guard would support the TTPS with its investigation.
Senior Supt Thompson, Supt Simmons, ASP Brown, Insp Grant, Sgt Harrypersad, PC Ramsawak and WPCs Aleong and Messiah visited the scene.
