Updated: Policewoman shot at home

A fun night out almost turned fatal on Tuesday night when a policewoman was shot allegedly by a police sergeant during a heated argument at her Penal home.

PC Nicolette Persad, 28, underwent emergency surgery at the San Fernando General Hospital and up to Wednesday evening was in a stable condition. The 48-year-old policeman, a close male relative who works at the Princes Town Police Station, is in custody.

Police said at about 10.30 pm on Tuesday, the two returned from a party.
An argument ensued over a text message on her phone during which, it is alleged, he fired four shots hitting her twice in her chest.
Persad, who works at the San Fernando station, was taken to hospital and police arrested the man shortly after and seized the gun.

Her uncle Calvin Peschier, speaking to the media at Persad’s home on Wednesday, described the incident as unfortunate. He said he did not have details about what transpired, but assured his niece was “okay and well.”
“Her family is around and supporting her. It is unfortunate what happened, to see an officer shooting another officer. Right now, she is stable, and we are keeping our fingers crossed. The child is with an aunt.”

Notwithstanding a person’s profession, Peschier said he would intervene if that person is attacking his relative.
“It could be a police, an army man, judge or jury, I would intervene for my family. Sometimes men feel that women have no backup and sometimes the women feel they could handle situations.”
He encouraged people to speak up in cases of abuse.

He believes that if Persad had been a victim of domestic violence, she would have told a relative about it.
Police from the Professional Standards Bureau and the Southern Division are investigating.