Cop shot in chest during East Port of Spain gang war

A POLICE officer assigned to the Guard and Emergency Branch was shot in the chest while on patrol in East Port of Spain around 8.30 pm on July 22.

Newsday understands PC Shakala Charles was with another officer in a marked police vehicle on George Street when they responded to a shooting at St Paul Street.

Gunmen opened fire on the police vehicle and Charles who was in the front passenger seat was hit.

The bullet penetrated his bulletproof vest on the side, police said.

Another man, identified as Keron George, of East Dry River, was also wounded in the attack.

Both the officer and George were taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital.

Newsday was told Charles's colleagues were donating blood for his emergency surgery.

Police found the vehicle used in the shooting, a seven-seater, abandoned a short distance away.

There were multiple spent shells in the vehicle and an extended 9mm magazine.

Commenting on the incident, DCP intelligence and investigations Suzette Martin said police officers were going out every day and putting their lives on the line.

"It is with a heavy heart the officer going about his daily duty was injured. He is okay and receiving medical attention."

"We are not going to accept that. Crime is now a public health emergency," she said.

Martin said the criminals have taken the crime situation "to a different level and we will respond for sure."

She said " heavy arms" were used in the attack. Scores of officers responded to the shooting and are in search for the attackers.