Quick action by an off-duty police officer saved the life of an 18-year-old woman and her child who were being stabbed by a man in Maloney Gardens on Tuesday.
Police Constable Stefan Samuel, who works at the Cumuto Police Station, was in the area when the woman and her baby were being attacked by a man known to them at Building 11.
Samuel intervened and a struggle ensued between him and the attacker. He restrained the man and subsequently seized a knife during the melee. However, the suspect escaped from the scene.
“I kept thinking that there was no way I was letting him escape and at the same time my mind kept going back to the woman bleeding on the ground,” PC Samuel said.
Samuel rushed the woman along with her father to the Arima General Hospital where she was treated and remained in critical condition up to yesterday. The child was not severely injured in the incident.
The suspect was held a short while later by police and residents in the vicinity of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway.
“It was challenging to detain the attacker who was very aggressive, and of course, resisted all attempts to restrain him,” PC Samuel revealed to the TTPS.
“I successfully restrained him by holding his upper body from the back as onlookers and neighbours came. He grew more agitated and continued to resist–the scene became extremely chaotic.”
Samuel credited the community for helping him regain control of the situation. “I am glad that I was there at the right time and was able to assist and be a part of helping to save a life. My heart goes out to the family of the victim, especially the toddler.
“I have been in contact with her father who keeps me updated on her status. Now that I know she is stable, I am relieved.”
Samuel said, "As police officers, our motto ‘To Protect and Serve with Pride’ extends beyond when we take off our uniform."
He encouraged others "to try to be our brother’s keeper."
The suspect has been charged with attempted murder.
