Policeman stabbed outside Tableland bar

TABLELAND police are searching for a retired soldier who stabbed a police constable during an argument outside a bar early yesterday morning. Reports are that the 48-year-old former-soldier attacked PC Larry Legende, 21, with an eight-inch cocoa knife, and left him bleeding on the roadside. Legende, of George Village, Tableland, is attached to the Couva Police Station. “I don’t even know the man,” the young constable said from his hospital bed, still uncertain as to the motive for the attack. Legende is warded in stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) after he received stitches to the left side side of his face, neck, and both arms. The victim said that the soldier accosted him when he started an argument that the Army held more authority than the police service.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Naparima Mayaro Road, approximately 400 feet away from the Tableland Police Station. Legende’s father, Alexander, said his son came from work around 10.30 pm Thursday and went out to lime. Legende and his friend, Reeza Mohammed, pulled into Puntai’s Restaurant and Bar, while the former soldier was drinking at Sunny’s Restaurant and Bar which is located on the opposite side of the road. The suspect was involved in an argument at Sunny’s bar, and around midnight  he left the bar. Legende and his friend were on the road when the attacker began challenging the young constable that soldiers were “better” than policemen. Police said during the argument the attacker pulled out the knife, which has a blade shaped like a hook at one end. The former-soldier lunged at the policeman with the weapon, and stabbed him about his head and neck. Legende’s arms were also severely cut as he tried to fend off his attacker. Police said the attacker ran off as bar patrons turned to assist Legende. The suspect is believed to be hiding out in the nearby bushes in the district, but police said they are continuing their search. Sgt Rajkumar is continuing investigations.