An attempt to rob a clothing store for the second time in less than a week was foiled by security guards on Tuesday. The suspect was held as he tried to escape. Three security officers stationed at Rattan Jewellers at Plaza America, San Fernando, held the 32-year-old suspect who ran after attacking Navindra Ramlal, the proprietor of Chandra's Exclusive Clothing.
The incident drew a crowd on busy High Street, as the officers handcuffed the suspect and made him lie on the floor until police arrived. According to Ramlal, a man came into the store last Thursday and stole several pieces of clothing estimated at $1,200.
In Tuesday's episode, police were told, a man with a long knife in his waist entered the store and demanded that Ramlal go to the cash register. Ramlal said as the man whipped out the knife, he held his hand and they became involved in a scuffle. Sales clerk Carlene William said she recognised the suspect as the one who robbed them on the previous occasion. As William saw the scuffle, she screamed and alerted the security officers next door.
The suspect then ran out of the store and attempted to elude capture by running through the mall to the adjacent St James Street, but was held by the security guards. Within five minutes, officers from the San Fernando Police Station arrived and the man was taken into custody.
Ramlal said the suspect might have returned because he was able to make a getaway the first time. He said he now plans to put in place several new security measures to safeguard his workers and goods.
