Two bumbling bandits caught in tree, latrine

Two bumbling teenage bandits were caught in a mango tree and an outhouse shortly after they robbed a Chinese restaurant in St James on Monday night. One was found when police heard screams coming from the toilet at a house on Ethel Street. They later learned the bandit was screaming because he was being attacked by a swarm of insects whose nest he had disturbed while hiding from the police.

The other suspect, who had climbed a mango tree to hide, was held after police noticed the branches were moving while a National Security helicopter was hovering nearby. According to police reports, around 8.30 pm three men, armed with knives, entered the restaurant on Mucurapo Road.

The restaurant owners, who are Chinese nationals, told investigators  after entering the restaurant the three drew their weapons, threatened them and robbed them of $5,600. They then ran off in different directions but were chased by police, led by Senior Supt Ishmael David.

The suspects, who are 19 and 17, were held. They are said to be from East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, and have been held by police in the recent past for larceny offences. They are expected to be charged with armed robbery later this week. Police did not catch the third suspect but found $4,000 of the stolen cash from the two who were arrested. Supt Alfonso Patterson and Insp Henry Dann are investigating.