The TTPS says officers of the Port of Spain Task Force, Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and Guard and Emergency Branch (GEB) were involved in a coordinated police operation yesterday that resulted in the seizure of two high-powered firearms, the arrest of a key suspect, and the neutralization of an armed individual during an incident in Belmont yesterday.
According to police reports, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a black Nissan Tiida vehicle with three occupants approached a group of people standing along Serrano Road, Belmont and opened fire. A 50-year-old man was shot in the leg, while another man, 24, was shot in the neck and head.
The assailants attempted to flee by reversing the vehicle, but after a loud explosion inside the car, it crashed, and the three men exited the vehicle. The TTPS says officers mounted a quick response and upon arrival, observed a motor vehicle, which had crashed along the road. Witnesses reported seeing three men exit the vehicle, one covered in blood and two armed with firearms, fleeing the scene on foot towards St Francois Valley Road.
The officers received further information which led them to search a ‘5 feet’ drain along St. Francois Valley Road. There, the team located one suspect, who was found hiding in the drain. The individual, a 31-year-old man from St. Ann’s Road, St. Ann’s surrendered, and he was arrested with an AR-15 rifle in his possession. He is currently in police custody as investigations continue. While searching the said drain, officers encountered another suspect, armed with a rifle, he refused to surrender and pointed the weapon at the officers, posing an immediate threat to their lives.
In response, the officers discharged their service firearms. The suspect, later identified as an 18- year-old from Upper McKai Lands, Belmont, was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit processed the scene, where one spent 5.56 cartridge was recovered from the crashed vehicle. Also, two AR- 15 rifles fitted with magazines containing 47 rounds of 5.56 ammunition were seized. The victims of the initial shooting were taken to hospital by officers of the TTPS who responded to the report of the shooting.
The 50-year-old man is currently warded at hospital in a stable condition, while the 24-year-old is listed as being in a critical condition. Personnel from the Victim and Witness Support Unit will be visiting the school at 8.30am on Monday 30th September to debrief the students and teachers at the school in collaboration with personnel from the Ministry of Education. Senior Superintendent Thom stated, “Yesterday’s brazen act of violence, occurring yet again near a school, is deeply disturbing and absolutely unacceptable.
As the Senior Superintendent of the Port of Spain Division, I wish to reiterate the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s firm stance on incidents like this. Let it be clear: we have zero tolerance for any form of violence perpetrated against citizens, especially in close proximity to our nation’s schools, where our children’s safety is paramount.”
He added, “The officers who responded acted decisively to protect innocent lives and to neutralize the threats they were faced with. The actions of one of the armed suspects left our officers with no other choice but to employ the use of force to defend not only themselves, but also the members of the public. “Let me be crystal clear, to those who continue to engage in criminal activity: your actions will not be tolerated, we will pursue you with all the resources at our disposal and will stop at nothing to ensure that you are brought to justice.
We will do what is necessary for all schools to remain “safe spaces” , there is no place for this kind of lawlessness in our communities, and we will continue to take a firm stand to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, especially our children.”
The TTPS urges anyone with information that may assist in ongoing investigations to contact the nearest police station or call 555, 999, or report anonymously through CRIME STOPPERS at 800-TIPS.