Hostage drama at Dinsley

According to reports, Arouca police received a report of a robbery in progress at the National Petroleum Quik Shoppe at about 1.45 am. On reaching the scene, two armed men were seen in the middle of a robbery.

When confronted by the police, the gunmen grabbed four workers and dragged them into a nearby room, putting guns to their heads. They threatened to kill the hostages if they were not released and allowed to escape without interference. After lengthy negotiations and an exchange of gunfire, the men gave themselves up.

Police also seized two firearms — a Baretta .32 and a Phoenix .22 pistol with seven rounds of ammunition. The men, one from from Haig Street, Carenage, and the other of Enterprise Village, Carenage, were arrested and placed before several identification parades.

When Newsday visited the Tacarigua Quik Shoppe, workers claimed they were in a state of shock and were unable to speak on the incident, and directed us to the NP head office at Sea Lots.

Investigations revealed that this Tacarigua Quik Shoppe had been held up at least 12 times during the last 18 months. This incident was the second robbery in two weeks.

Both men, one 27 and the other 28, are to appear before an Arima magistrate later this week.

Visiting the scene were Sgt Ashby, Cpls Winston and Hobbs, along with PCs Garcia, Campbell, Modeste and Romain. PC Garcia is investigating the robbery.