Bandits to be charged after deadly shootout with Tableland cops

Two bandits arrested after a shoot-out with Tableland police on Saturday night are expected to be charged with a series of offences, among them robbery with violence, having guns and ammunition and shooting at police.

The incident left an accomplice – Claxton Bay resident Christian Young – dead. Up to today, Southern Division police were searching for two others.

Young lived at Old Train Line in St Margaret’s Village, as do the suspects, ages 18 and 22.

A police report said at about 10 pm on Saturday, five armed bandits went into a house at Naparima Mayaro Road in Tableland and announced a robbery, then tied up a 54-year-old man who was home alone. The house is on the same compound as Partap’s Supermarket, which is owned by a relative who was not at home.

The bandits ransacked the house and forced the man to open a safe. They bagged money in TT and US currencies, as well as jewellery and other valuables.

As they were about to leave, the owner and a female relative arrived, not knowing the bandits were inside. The gunmen accosted the two, dragged them inside and beat them. Pointing guns at the owner, the gunmen made him open the supermarket.

Neighbours realised that something was amiss and contacted the police, and there was a shootout. When the gunfire ended, police found Young’s body. They also found one man hiding in the ceiling of the supermarket and the other in nearby bush.

Police also found two loaded guns and ammunition and some of the loot.

Sgt Anil Sankar is leading investigations.

Several residents took to social media to commend the police for "keeping the area safe." One even commended the sergeant at the station "for doing such a wonderful job in getting rid of pests."

Once charged, the suspects will appear in the Princes Town Magistrates’ Court, which is housed in the Rio Claro Magistrates' Court.