RHONDOR DOWLAT-ROSTANT
The third suspect in Wednesday night's shooting incident on Lady Chancellor road has been found, police confirm.
Guardian Media understands members of the Port-of-Spain Task Force (POSTF) found the suspect lying motionless in some bushes off Lady Chancellor Road. Officers conducted a search and found a firearm in his possession.
Meanwhile, the second suspect remains warded at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH) under police guard.
According to a police report, at about 7:15 pm on Wednesday, a 33-year-old police constable, the holder of a licensed firearm, was walking along Lady Chancellor Road with his girlfriend, when he observed a gold-coloured Nissan Almera (bearing number plates with markings PBZ 2192) parked on the southern side of the road with three male occupants, all of African descent.
The officer then observed one of the occupants exit the vehicle and point a firearm at him. The gunman reportedly opened fire on the police officer.
Police said the officer became fearful for his life and drew his licensed firearm and fired several shots in the direction of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was wounded by the police officer’s shots.
The other two occupants reportedly ran into some nearby bushes where they escaped.
The POSTF, under the supervision of Sgt Alexander, responded to the report and conveyed the injured man to the POSGH, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He was later identified as Franklyn Defreitas of LP # 73 Rich Plain Diego Martin. Defreitas celebrated his 25th birthday on Wednesday.
The scene was visited by ASP Bhagwandeen and Duty Inspector (Ag) Hospedales Yearwood and processed.
The vehicle also was taken in for processing.
Investigations are continuing.