Cops rescue 4, arrest 1 in Debe robbery

POLICE yesterday arrested one of three bandits who robbed a casino and its patrons before stuffing them in the bathroom.

According to a media release by the police service, the bandit was held a short distance away from the scene of the robbery after the patrons freed themselves and walked. Police said workers and patrons were at the casino located along Debe Road, Debe, when three men, one armed with a gun, entered and announced a hold up around 11.05 am.

The trio robbed all whom they could of cash and valuables before ordering into the restroom.
Police were contacted and officers of the San Fernando Criminal Investigations Department, Guard and Emergency Branch, Southern Division Task Force, Emergency Response Patrol, Highway Patrol South and both the Barrackpore and Ste Madeleine Police Stations responded. The building was surrounded and a negotiator from the Multi-Optional Policing Section was called in.

While that was being facilitated, some of the patrons and workers left the building and told police that the thieves had already left. Some of the police searched the surrounding area while others went into the casino and brought the others who were still inside out safely.
While searching the area nearby, police arrested a 23-year-old Chaguanas man who had in his possession some of the items stolen from some of the patrons.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

FOUR hostages were rescued and two bandits held after police stormed a Chinese restaurant that was being robbed earlier today.

Newsday spoke with Snr Supt Zamsheed Mohammed, head of the Southern Division, who said he coordinated the rescue which went off without incident. Mohammed said as a result of the well-coordinated effort, the hostages were rescued and one suspect was held without an officer having to use his weapon.

Police said at about 11.30 am they received a call that Chinese Dragon Restaurant and Bar, Debe, was being robbed and people were held hostage. Officers responded and surrounded the two-storey building and entered after a brief standoff. The suspect was held and the hostages, including employees and customers, were released unharmed.