Rhondor Dowlat-Rostant
The two men killed by police during an alleged shootout in Longdenville on Friday have been identified as Atiba Goodridge of Point Fortin and Josiah Babb of Lastique Street, East Dry River, Port-of-Spain. Police said they were identified by relatives late Friday.
They were shot dead during a confrontation with police after they allegedly committed a series of robberies in the Longdenville area. The shootout occurred at about 10.30 am along Depot Road, near the Abel Brick Factory.
Police officers responding to reports of a series of armed robberies saw a vehicle matching the description of the getaway car and gave chase onto Depot Road where occupants stopped the vehicle and attempted to escape into nearby bushes.
Police said the men opened fire forcing them to return fire. They were shot several times and were taken to the Chaguanas District Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. At the scene of the shooting, officers recovered a Smith and Wesson revolver with three live rounds, along with three spent shells.