radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Several Venezuelan migrants have moved out of Wellington Road, Debe, after a man was shot and killed following a high-speed chase in the area on Wednesday night.
The victim, who is yet to be identified, is believed to be a Venezuelan national. He died in his car after being shot through the head at Debe Sub Office Trace.
One of the spent shells found at the scene had markings from the T&T Police Service.
Police said at around 10 pm they received a distress call from a man who said someone had just been shot at the corner of Wellington Road and Sub Office Trace. When they arrived at that location they saw the victim slumped behind the wheel of a red Hyundai Elantra which had crashed into an electricity pole.
An eyewitness said he saw the red Elantra being pursued by a silver Nissan B-15 along Papourie Road and unto Wellington Road. After the car crashed into the pole, there was a shootout between the occupants of the two vehicles.
Villagers hid in their homes during the exchange of gunfire.
The police found 27 spent shells at the scene, including 26 which had been fired from a 9mm semi-automatic revolver. One of the spent shells had TTPS markings. Police also seized two live rounds of ammunition and a cell phone.
District Medical Officer Dr Ramrattan visited the scene and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre.
A resident who requested anonymity said several Venezuelan nationals had been living in a house close to the scene of the shooting.
“This is not the first incident involving Venezuelans,” the resident said.
In recent times, residents have been keeping indoors in fear of crime.
An autopsy will be done once the body is identified.
Visiting the scene were ASP Jaikaran, Insp Mohammed, Sgt Singh and Homicide officers PC Ramoutar and PC Nelson. Police are investigating reports that the shooting could be drug related. Officers from Homicide Region 3 are continuing investigations.
