Last Updated on September 21, 2022, 7:27 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Trinidad and Tobago: Police officials in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating a shooting and robbery incident that took place at Pennywise Plaza, La Romain, on the evening of Monday, September 19.
According to the reports of the police authorities, around 5 pm on Monday, three private security officers, one woman and two men, were shot by armed men, locally known as bandits, while driving out of the Pennywise compound during a tried hold-up. After the fact, the culprits fled in a waiting car.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Police authorities were alerted of the same and they blocked the vehicle after some time.
After a small chase, during which the men left the vehicle in which they had fled the scene of the crime and robbed another car. Police officials were finally able to corner them in an abandoned house.
When the smoke cleared following the second exchange of gunshots, Trinidad and Tobago police stated that four bandits were found dead, and three AR-15 rifles had been recovered.
The police stated that the security officers, who were shot, were transporting cash in an unmarked white van. Just as the vehicle left the car park and moved onto La Bel Air Road, a white-coloured car pulled in front of the van, thwarting it.
Five men got out and started shooting at the van. The shooters opened the van’s back door, and took a bag of cash. Following this, the five armed men got inside their vehicle and sped off.
All three security officers were critically wounded following the shooting, and the two men, Jerry Baptiste and Jeffrey Peters died while the woman is fighting for her life at the San Fernando General Hospital. All three were employed with Allied Security Services Ltd.
Owing to the gravity of this incident, an environment of fear has persisted in the area. La Romain Plaza was announced to stay closed on Tuesday as a sign of respect towards the dead and so that the staff could get some time to concentrate on their mental health.
Police are still investigating the scene.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
