Abandoned police station burnt down

WORKERS of Gasparillo Quik Shoppe and Gas Station were forced to run for safety after the nearby abandoned police station exploded in flames early yesterday morning, in what police strongly believe was arson. Police are linking the incident, to the shooting death of 30-year-old Duane Clarke, who was shot by police during a sting operation near his home at Bonne Aventure, Gasparillo, on Saturday. Clarke, who police said was involved in the manufacture and sale of guns, was killed after he reportedly opened fire on officers of the Firearms Interdiction Unit.

Reports stated that around 3 am, a Quik Shoppe worker saw smoke coming from a room on the North Eastern side of the building of the abandoned police station. The worker contacted the police who are currently occupying a temporary structure next door to the old police station. Afraid that the flames would have spread to the service station, the gas station workers evacuated the compound and anxiously awaited the arrival of Mon Repos fire brigade, which arrived 20 minutes later and extinguished the flames. The building, however, was completely destroyed and forensic experts are expected to visit the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Gasparillo police and fire fighters are investigating.