Suspect shot dead by police

Police shot and killed a man minutes after he allegedly robbed a man of his vehicle at gunpoint on Friday night.

Dead is Olajawon Collins, 27, of Perseverance Village in Couva.

According to a police report, at about 8.45 pm, Collins held up a driver at gunpoint along Milton Road, Couva, robbing him of his Toyota Axio vehicle.

A report was made to the Couva Police station and a team of officers immediately responded.

Roadblocks were carried out at strategic points throughout the area and within minutes, reports said, Collins was spotted walking along the Rivulet Road heading towards a bushy area.

On seeing police officers Collins allegedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting before running to the back of a warehouse in the area.

Reports said that while hiding behind the warehouse, Collins continued to shoot at police officers who returned fire. He slumped to the ground after he was shot and was taken to the Couva Health Facility where he died while undergoing emergency surgery. A firearm and seven rounds of ammunition were said to be recovered.

When Newsday visited Collins address at Perseverance Village, Couva, yesterday, a resident said the deceased man had not been home for “a very long time.”

The stolen vehicle has not yet been recovered.

An autopsy on Collin’s body is expected to be performed at the Forensic Science Centre tomorrow.

Sgt Ali of the Couva CID is investigating.