Two killed, 6 wounded as gunmen strike in San Juan, Laventille

Hours after National Security Minister Jack Warner announced his latest anti-crime measures which include five new Regiment bases, gunmen struck in Laventille and San Juan, killing two men and wounding six others, including an 11-year-old boy. The murder toll stood at 18, up to late yesterday evening.

According to police reports, around 8 pm, Devon “Cheat” Hart, 19, and his friends—Brendon Harris, 31, and 39-year-old Jason De Freitas—were playing cards in front of a home, between Duncan Street and Ramkisson Trace, San Juan. Eyewitnesses told police that a heavily-tinted black car pulled alongside the trio and three men dressed in full army camouflage uniforms got out.

Without warning the gunmen reportedly drew firearms and began shooting at the three friends. While the wounded trio slumped to the ground, the gunmen returned to their vehicle and sped off. Officers of the North Eastern Division Task Force (NEDTF) led by Cpl Sunil Bharath, who were on mobile patrol, responded to the scene within minutes and assisted in transporting the wounded friends to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope.

Hart was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital, while his friends were treated and warded in a critical condition up to late yesterday. Police have not established a motive for the incident.  Superintendent John Daniel and Sgt Aslim Hosein are continuing investigations.

Meanwhile, an 11-year-old boy was among five people who were wounded in a drive-by shooting in Laventille on Monday night. Police said, around 8.20 pm, the group, which consisted of Ian Worrell, 46; his 11-year-old nephew Jermel Worrell; Elton Regis, 52; Samuel Oliver, 29; and 28-year-old Gershwin Thomas, all of Picton Road, Laventille, were liming at Plaisance Road, which is near their home.

The victims told police that while liming, a silver grey Mitsubishi Lancer slowed down in front of them. The front seat passenger reportedly lowered his window and began shooting at the group. After discharging more than a dozen rounds of ammunition, the vehicle drove off. Jermel, a Standard Four pupil, was shot once in the back, while his uncle and friends all sustained minor injuries.

The four adults were taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where they were treated and discharged while Jermel remained warded in a stable condition at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Pediatric Hospital, Mt Hope, up to late yesterday. Regis succumed to his injuries at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital around 4 pm yesterday.

Inspectors Sahadeo Singh and Maharaj of the Besson Street CID are probing the shooting.