Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
South-western police were yesterday hunting for the three suspects involved in the robbery and subsequent murder of Coast Guardsman Dacian John in Point Fortin in the early hours yesterday morning.
Police said the 36-year-old of La Resource Road South, D’Abadie, was shot while seated in his Audi motorcar, which had been parked a short distance away from a friend’s house.
Senior police officials confirmed that John, who belonged to an elite unit within the T&T Coast Guard (TTCG), was shot during the robbery after one of the suspects discovered he had a firearm on his person.
Guardian Media was told, “Robbery appeared to be the primary motive, but it seemed the suspects panicked after one found the weapon and shouted ‘gun’.”
“It appeared they may have panicked and, believing John to be a threat, shot him.”
John was with a group of friends in his car, which had been parked along Cassia Street, Southern Gardens, Point Fortin, around 1.15 am on May 2, when they were approached by three men.
Two of the suspects, who were armed with firearms approached and began relieving the occupants of cash and valuables.
Several loud explosions were later heard, following which John was seen bleeding from gunshot wounds as the suspects escaped in a waiting car.
John was rushed to the Point Fortin Area Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 2.25 am.
The apartment John shared with his mother and sister was empty yesterday, and relatives declined to speak on the record when contacted.
However, a colleague of John described him as a humble soul who was dedicated to training and developing younger persons.
An avid fitness enthusiast, John was said to be the father of a young daughter.
The colleague said he loved travelling and often took vacations to spend time with his family and was careful to stay away from certain situations, as he believed trouble could come fast.
“Everybody is in disbelief,” the friend said.
John is expected to be afforded a full military funeral.
