Officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) came under fire from residents of Laventille in two separate incidents on Wednesday.
According to police reports, the first incident took place at about 4 p.m. along Picton Road. A party of officers on mobile patrol observed a heavily tinted, black Nissan Almera car being driven in a dangerous manner and they intercepted the car.
However, as the officers were interviewing the driver, he allegedly began using obscene language against the lawmen. The officers cautioned him and attempted to arrest the driver, but he began to resist.
By this time, a crowd had gathered around the group, and a man from the crowd reportedly began firing in the direction of the lawmen. The officers, as well as citizens who gathered, sought cover as the shots rang out. However, during the chaos, the armed assailant escaped.
The officers arrested the driver and charged him with using annoying language and resisting arrest.
The second incident took place at about 7:15 p.m. when IATF officers on foot patrol along Desperlie Crescent, Laventille, observed two men walking on the roadway.
On seeing the officers, the men turned around and began heading in the direction of Laventille Road, arousing the suspicion of the lawmen.
The officers pursued the two men, but on reaching the vicinity of the Youth Centre, they pulled out firearms and began firing at the officers. The assailants then escaped in a waiting vehicle along Laventille Road.
No policemen were harmed in either of the incidents.
However, public information officer for the T&T Police Service (TTPS) Inspector Wayne Mystar, at the weekly news briefing yesterday at the Police Administration Building on Edward Street, Port of Spain, advised officers to “remain vigilant and safe” in the course of their duties. (Trinidad Express)
