Man held with gun no longer murder suspect

THE 20-year-old man believed to be linked to the murder of Central businessman Gerard Punch was charged with possession of arms and ammunition and marijuana, but is no longer being considered a suspect in that murder.  The man, of Fonrose Street, San Fernando, who was arrested mere hours after Punch was shot dead on Monday night, was scheduled to appear before a San Fernando magistrate yesterday to face the charges. He was arrested around 11 pm on Monday at Drayton Street, San Fernando, after his strange behaviour aroused the suspicion of Cpl Derek Noel and other officers of San Fernando CID, who were on mobile patrol in the area. Reports stated that the man attempted to run when he saw the police approaching him but he was held by the officers. When the officers searched the man, they found and seized a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and a small quantity of marijuana. He was charged on Tuesday night for the arms, ammunition  and marijuana offences. Meanwhile investigators probing the murder of Punch, 36, who was one of three persons murdered in the country on Local Government Elections day, said they have not yet held any other suspects in connection with his killing. Detective Sgts Dennis Housend and Ajith Persad are continuing investigations.