Guard held after shooting bandit

A security officer on duty at a San Fernando supermarket, shot and wounded a bandit on Wednesday during a botched robbery attempt. However, in an ironic twist, the hero guard was later arrested as the firearm he used to thwart the robbery is unlicensed.

Police said that at about 5.30 pm, the bandit stormed Flourishing Supermarket in Cipero Road, Retrench Village, San Fernando and announced a hold up. He proceeded to rob the cashier of over $1,000. The guard, whipped out his firearm, confronted and shot the bandit. Eyewitnesses contacted the Ste Madeleine Police Station and police found the bandit bleeding in the supermarket.

He was taken to San Fernando General Hospital where he remains warded in stable condition under police guard. The bandit’s gun was seized and the money returned to the owner of the business. Another weapon was also found at the supermarket and when officers determined it to be unlicensed, they arrested the guard.

Police said the guard will be charged with possession of an illegal firearm and possession of illegal ammunition. The bandit, when he is discharged from hospital, will face a number of charges including attempted robbery and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.