Robber killed with own gun during robbery

A 25-year-old robber was shot and killed with his own gun during a botched robbery of a taxi driver and his passengers in Chaguanas yesterday afternoon. According to reports, shortly after midday Dereck Spencer, 37, of Couva, was plying his Nissan B14 car for hire between Couva and Chaguanas. 

Spencer told police he picked up his wife and a male commuter in Couva and two more women in Chase Village. Spencer’s wife was seated in the front passenger seat while the man and the two women sat in the back seat. 

As the car approached Edinburgh Village, the man drew a gun and threatened the two woman passengers who were in the back seat with him. He then robbed them of their cellphones and jewelry. 

Police said the man then pointed the gun at Spencer’s wife at which point Spencer stopped the car, drew a small kitchen knife and began struggling with the robber for the gun. He later told police he kept the knife in the car for protection after he and his fellow taxi drivers were robbed several times in the past.  

During the struggle, investigators said, the gun went off, shooting the robber in his forehead. He died on the scene and was identified by his mother as Ibrahim Bourne, of Crown Street, Enterprise, Chaguanas. Bourne was well known to police and had a criminal record which included armed robberies. 

Investigators found Bourne’s gun, which was taken to the Forensic Science Centre, St James, for ballistic testing to determine if the gun had been used in other shooting incidents in central Trinidad. 

An autopsy will also be done on his body today. Spencer was questioned by investigators and was later released as police believe he acted in self-defence. Spencer, his wife and the other passengers escaped without physical injury but up to late last night were said to be still traumatised. 

Senior Supt Deodath Doolarchan, Supt Johnny Abraham and Insp Wayne Lawrence visited the scene and are investigating.