It was refreshing to hear of the heroism of a particular off-duty police sergeant who chased two bandits who had just robbed the Mt Hope branch of American Stores and escaped... or so they thought. It has been reported that this sergeant, responding to a radio call, gave chase and engaged in a high-speed shootout with the bandits at great personal risk to his own life, during which he was shot at and had the windscreen of his vehicle shattered. One bandit was killed, dying in a ditch, and the other apprehended, wounded and now under police guard at the EWMC.
Back-up police did arrive promptly and assisted in apprehending the second man. This is a definite improvement in police performance and must be applauded and encouraged. The bandits are reportedly from the Quarry Road, Laventille, area and the police may wish to turn the searchlight there for weapons and further potential crime. If the report of the single sergeant's heroism is true, he deserves a public commendation and award, and may also need counselling after the experience.
MF Rahman
Via e-mail