An autopsy done on the body of Claxton Bay pedlar Malcolm Thomas revealed he was shot in the back by police.The autopsy, performed by forensic pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Monday showed Thomas died from shock and haemorrhage consistent with a gunshot wound.The 29-year-old, from Union Road, died at the San Fernando General Hospital on Thursday after he was shot by a Southern Division Task Force officer.
Police reported that around 11 am they were on patrol in St Margaret's Village when they saw Thomas walking along the road. As their car approached, Thomas began running away, so they became suspicious and chased him on foot.They eventually caught up with Thomas, who was shot after he pulled out a knife and charged towards an officer, it was stated. He was taken to hospital where he died while being attended to. The knife was seized and a quantity of marijuana was found in his pocket.
A senior officer confirmed to the T&T Guardian that Thomas was shot in the back, but said it was not the officer who was being attacked who had fired the shot.He explained that it was two officers who pursued Thomas. They reported that Thomas ran into the bush and was able to elude them for a short time, then came out and charged one officer with his knife, unaware that the other officer had come out behind him.
He said when the second officer realised his colleague was being attacked, he drew his gun and shot Thomas in the hip.The senior officer said this information was given in the initial report and an investigation was still continuing.Police said Thomas had served several prison sentences for drug-related charges.