The man who was shot and killed while attempting to steal a van in Tableland on Tuesday has been identified as Shawn Nichols, police said.
Nichols, 54, of Phase 2, Bon Air Gardens, Arouca, died on the scene while his accomplice escaped.
Police said Nichols who also lived at Watts Trace, Curepe, had two convictions for larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana from 2014. He also had 15 pending matters for housebreaking and larceny, common assault, larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of arms and ammunition.
According to a police report, around 12.30 am Amardath Ramnath was at his Robert Village home when he heard a noise outside. He then heard his H 100 pick up, which was in the garage, idling. Ramnath woke up his father Soondar Ramnath, 84, a retired game warden, who peeped out and saw two men in the garage.
The elderly man who has a licensed firearm raised an alarm and one of the men pointed a gun at him.
He became fearful and fired at the men. One of the men fell to the ground and died while the other man ran off. The body was viewed by a district medical officer who ordered its removal.
Visiting the scene were officers from the Tableland Police Station and Homicide Bureau. When Guardian visited the family, a man said the family was warned by the police not to speak with the media. Enquiries are ongoing.
Reporter: Sascha Wilson