A mechanic from Princes Town has been granted $100,000 bail after appearing before a Magistrate charged with robbery with aggravation.
According to the police Michael Gene, 33, appeared at the Siparia Magistrates’ Court after being held by officers following a police chase in Oropouche and an alleged exchange of gunfire.
Police said they received a report at 10:15 pm on April 27 regarding a robbery.
When they visited the scene, a 52-year-old woman and her female relative reported that they were in a vehicle on Pond Street, Aripero, around 10:10 pm, when a silver AD wagon with three male occupants, proceeding in the opposite direction, allegedly blocked their vehicle.
Two male suspects, one allegedly armed with a firearm, exited the wagon approached the driver’s side of the woman’s vehicle, and announced a hold-up.
They allegedly relieved the women of several items including a cell phone, cash, and credit cards, returned to the wagon, which was driven by a third suspect, and sped off.
According to the police, the officers went in search of the vehicle and around 10:20 pm while driving along the Southern Main Road, South Oropouche, they observed the vehicle heading toward San Fernando and a chase ensued.
While attempting to stop the vehicle, one of the officers allegedly observed the front seat passenger pointing a firearm, after which a loud explosion was heard. The officers drew their service revolvers and fired at the vehicle.
The vehicle came to an abrupt stop and two of the occupants exited and ran. While officers chased the men, they allegedly observed one of them throwing an object into an open area before they both escaped into some bushes nearby.
One Glock-19 pistol was reportedly found along with a magazine containing 12 rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition.
Officers returned to the vehicle where they found the driver and took him to the Oropouche Police Station.
PC Maharaj continued enquiries which led to the driver being arrested and charged.