Determination and persistence by Western Division Police paid off yesterday when they nabbed an escaped prisoner as he was about to board a pirogue to Venezuela. The man is suspected of breaking into Rocky Garcia's Glencoe home 15 days ago,
The 27-year-old man, from Waterhole, Cocorite, was held minutes after he arrived at the Cocorite fishing depot around 10.30 am. Two other suspects, aged 26 and 30, both of Diego Martin, also were arrested. Sources said the arrests came after 14 hours of surveillance by various arms of law enforcement, acting on information received.
Police said the three men arrived at the depot in a private car and were travelling light, as they had no luggage and very little money with them. None were said to be in possession of passports or other travel documents. Shortly after his arrest, the suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous, was taken to the Four Roads Police Station.
Garcia, who confirmed his arrest, described the capture as "good, very good news and very good work by officers." He is the vice-chairman of the Chaguaramas Development Authority and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Congress of the People candidate for the Diego Martin West constituency in general elections.
Police said although the boat owner was interviewed yesterday, he was not arrested because the suspect and his accomplices had not yet boarded the vessel. They said they would undergo several identification parades today. The party of police who took part in yesterday's exercise were led by Snr Supt David and Insp Dan, and included Sgts Grant and Arneaud and Cpls Frith, Jupiter, Hunte and Charles, along with PCs Williams, Melville, Dontis and Campbell.