A team of police officers were yesterday commended for their quick action in the rescue of a 71-year-old businessman who was abducted just outside his jewelry store in Port-of-Spain.
The incident occurred just five hours after Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith led a walkabout through the busy city streets and promised heightened security and a heavier police presence for the safety and security of shoppers and business people.
Shortly after 9 pm on Thursday, Samuel Edwards, the owner of Samuel’s Jewellery Store, which is located on Charlotte Street, secured his store and walked to adjacent George Street, where his Toyota Corolla motor car was parked.
As he attempted to get into his car, two men armed with guns, snatched him and threw him into the back seat of the vehicle. They took the keys from him and drove off.
Street vendors who witnessed the abduction called the police and immediately a team of officers from the Port-of-Spain Criminal Intelligence Department and POS Corporation City Police Multi-Operational Task Force, led by Snr Supt Hodge Griffith, Snr Supt Charles, Cpl John, Cpl Allen, and PC Ramsaran, responded.
The businessman’s car was found shortly before midnight near the Jean Pierre Complex with the victim still inside along with the two suspects. The men, of George Street, were arrested and the victim taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for a medical examination.
Police said a third suspect, a homeless man in his 50s, was arrested after he was caught attempting to break into the victim’s jewelry store.
Police said this robbery attempt was the second in less than one month at the jewelry store. Investigations are continuing.