Guard shot dead in Diego Martin

A 43-year-old security guard attached to Heller Security was shot dead by two men who robbed him of his fully loaded .38 revolver at Salandy Street, Diego Martin yesterday. His murder is the 56th for the year. Derrick Simmonds was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The area of the shooting was cordoned off by the police who were quickly on the scene. Reports revealed that around 12.30 pm, Simmonds was carrying out guard duties for two salesmen in a cigarette van when they were confronted by two men armed with guns. The gunmen ordered Simmonds to hand over his revolver, but he refused.

One of the gunmen then shot him in the chest, took his .38 revolver and then fled the scene. The bleeding Simmonds was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The two salesmen were treated for shock and were interviewed by police officers late yesterday. The news of his death came as a shock to his relatives at Arouca. Simmonds’ relatives said yesterday that he was a caring person who was dedicated to his job and his death has reportedly hit his colleagues hard.

General Manager of Heller Security Whitneil Peters expressed sadness over the death. He said that Simmonds was one of his finest officers with nine years service in the company. “He was an excellent worker, dedicated, and a person who would go the extra mile,” said Peters. Simmonds was precepted six years ago and is the third guard from Heller Security to be shot and killed over the past five years.