…….2 arrested, hunt for 2 more
By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Four home invaders got the shock of their lives.
They were among eight who have been causing havoc in Central Trinidad invading homes and giving people stress.
For four of the eight, that ended on Saturday when they were shot dead by a joint police/army unit while carrying out their nefarious acts. Two others were arrested and the hunt is on for two more.
According to police reports, around 3:30 a.m on May 2, a 70-year-old farmer from Charles Street, Cunupia, was awakened by a loud noise at his home. He was then confronted by five masked men wearing gloves, one of whom was armed with a firearm and announced a robbery. The assailants forcibly restrained the victim, tied him up then escaped with $1,120 in cash and his cell phone.
Acting on coordinated intelligence and joint operational planning, police officers and soldiers moved swiftly, gave chase and intercepted the alleged assailants at Ramnarine Trace off Esmeralda Road, in the vicinity of a supermarket.
There was an exchange of gunfire and three of the home invaders were fatally wounded, two were arrested and two others escaped. DCP Intelligence & Investigations, Natasha George, and DCP Operations, Suzette Martin coordinated the operation, along with TTDF, Lt. Commander, Sheldon Dougan, and Operations Command Manager of the National Operations Centre, Johnny Abraham.
Later in the day, the joint operation stumbled upon one of the escaped suspects who engaged them in a gun battle. He was shot and succumbed to his injuries.
According to a media release from the TTPS, “this outcome reflects the importance of unified law enforcement action, combining the investigative capacity of the TTPS with the operational support of the TTDF to target dangerous offenders and protect communities.
“The public is assured that both agencies remain fully committed to sustained joint operations aimed at suppressing violent crime, removing illegal firearms, apprehending wanted persons, and restoring public confidence and safety throughout Trinidad and Tobago.”
Investigators believe the dead home invaders were from Enterprise, Chaguanas. They suspect they were part of a gang terrorizing homes in Longdenville, Cunupia, Charlieville, Couva, and Chaguanas.
Police believe these same men were responsible for another home invasion on Thursday, Around 4:15 am on Thursday, a couple was jolted awake by a loud disturbance inside their home along Jonathan Trace. Cunupia. When they went to investigate, they were confronted by seven masked men dressed in dark clothing and armed with firearms.
The intruders immediately announced a robbery, instilling fear as the victims were overpowered, bound at the hands and feet using belts, and left helpless while the suspects ransacked the house.
The assailants made off with a significant haul, including $28,000 in cash, US$2,000, a quantity of jewellery, a PlayStation console, two car keys, alcohol, perfumes, and a black Hikvision DVR.
On Friday, during a sitting of the Senate, Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, said the TTPS has ramped up operations in Longdenville, Chaguanas, following a recent series of home invasions that have left residents on edge.
Responding to a question, Alexander acknowledged the severity of the incidents and outlined a series of measures aimed at restoring public confidence and strengthening security in the Central Division community.
He said, “The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service acknowledges the seriousness of recent home invasions and traumatic incidents in the Longdenville area.” Alexander said there is need for closer collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
He revealed that the TTPS has increased its operational capacity in the area, with a noticeable boost in foot and mobile patrols, as well as intelligence-led exercises. Additionally, he said a specialized gang unit has been deployed and plans are underway to reintroduce joint police and military patrols.
He declared, “These measures are intended to ensure that persons in the Longdenville area once again feel a level of safety and security away from criminal elements,” the minister told the Senate.”
Alexander also disclosed that he met privately with several residents, describing the discussions as candid but confidential. While he did not divulge specific details, he said the engagement underscored the importance of rebuilding trust between the community and law enforcement.
