La Romaine residents hid in their homes while pedestrians scampered for safety after gunmen and police engaged in a shootout on a busy street shortly before midday on Monday.
The exchange of gunfire occurred around 11.15 am along the Southern Main Road, La Romaine.
A witness said he was walking along the street when he saw a white Lancer occupied by three men. The car was heading west towards the La Romaine Police Post. The source said a marked police car was coming out of Charles Street and upon seeing the police the driver accelerated, arousing the suspicion of the police.
The officers began following the car and without warning the occupants sent down their back windows and started firing at the police car. The officers called for backup and returned fire.
Witness Nigel Smart said, "Everybody started to run. Those bullets could have hit anybody. People started to duck. The police make it bad for the driver of the car and he crashed the car and all of the men jumped out and run. The driver of the car, who was bleeding from both hands and feet, was apprehended."
Businesswoman Sharon Durbal, who was conducting sales at Ramlal's Minimart, said she hid when she heard the volley of gunfire.
"It was really scary. I did not come out until the police came. The driver of the car was hurt but the others got out."
Resident Kyle Young Lau said it was a miracle that nobody got shot.
A police roadblock was set up near La Plaisance Road as police hunted for the other suspects.
Police are now viewing surveillance photographs to get the identities of the men, who are believed to be linked to drug gangs in the La Romaine district. The driver is now in police custody and was sent to the San Fernando General Hospital for medical treatment.
Senior Supt Zamsheed Mohammed is spearheading investigations into the shooting.