TWO men are dead after a shootout with the police in the Sangre Grande District.

The deceased have been identified as Shyien “Nookie” Transoco and Enrique Garcia, both of Coalmine, Sangre Grande.

In a press release on Monday the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated two men had been killed during a Police-Involved Shooting on Sunday in the Eastern Division.

According to reports, officers of the North Central Division Gang and Intelligence Unit, acting on intelligence that armed individuals in a red Honda Vezel had planned to execute an armed robbery at a popular establishment, proceeded to the Sangre Grande district.

The TTPS stated officers intercepted the vehicle in the Jairasingh Village district, when the occupants allegedly opened fire on the officers.

The TTPS said in keeping with the TTPS Use of Force Policy, officers returned fire in the direction of the assailants. Transoco and Garcia were shot and taken to the hospital by Eastern Division Task Force Officers, where they were pronounced dead.

One AR-15 rifle, and 25 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Meanwhile, the TTPS reported, a 25-year-old Sangre Grande man was arrested for the Possession of Ammunition. He was also wanted in connection with reports of Burglary, Rape and Grievous Sexual Assault.

The TTPS said a second suspect of Mafeking Village was also held for Possession of Ammunition.

Reports stated both suspects were arrested during an intelligence led operation in the Mayaro District on Monday.