Police search cops’ homes for kidnapping evidence

The Arima homes of two police officers and their relatives, suspected in the kidnapping of Venezuelan Michael Arvello, 28, of Margarita from Trincity Mall last Friday, were searched yesterday by a party of officers from the Arima Criminal Investigation Department for evidence. However, nothing was removed except the officers’ two kits. Both officers are attached to the Highway Division Port-of-Spain. According to reports, after his escape from a house at Bon Air Gardens, Arouca, Arvello went to the Arouca Police Station where he made a report. Police later went to the house, where they arrested two men.

The two men — ages 27 and 30 — led to the arrest of the cops — a special reserve officer, 24, and a regular police officer, 28. Both police are from the Arima district. The exercise was coordinated by Insp Daniel, and included acting Sgt Ashby, and Cpls Baptiste and Winston. The homes were searched in Pinto Road, Malabar and La Horquetta. When contacted, police confirmed the search and said they are waiting on directions from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before charging the four men. They are expected to be charged and are to appear before an Arima magistrate next week.