Atlantic LNG boss escapes kidnappers

Police quickly detained three suspects after they set up a roadblock on the Toco Main Road as they sped en route to Sangre Grande in Deane’s van.

Deane, the former chairman of the Integrity Commission, had to receive minor surgery after he dislocated a shoulder after escaping from the van. He was resting at his Haleland Park, Maraval home yesterday and was unavailable for a comment. Police report that Deane was carrying out repairs on his Timber Estate, Angles Road, Cumana beach house when, at about 12.30 pm, three men stormed the premises and announced a hold-up.

Police said Deane was robbed at gunpoint of valuables of an undisclosed value. The kidnappers bundled Deane into his pickup van and sped off. But there was a struggle and Deane, who once served as managing director of American Life and General Insurance Co, jumped from the van, dislocating a shoulder when he hit the ground.

He however made his way to the Toco Police Station, from where an all-points bulletin was sent out and a roadblock set up on the main road leading to Sangre Grande.

ACP Crime Gilbert Reyes yesterday confirmed that three men were arrested and taken to the Sangre Grande Police Station, where the van was impounded. Up to late yesterday, the three men, who are between the ages of 21 to 27 were still being interrogated.

Reyes said crime scene experts returned to the estate yesterday to search for evidence. The van was also searched and forensic tests were to be done on the vehicle.

Atlantic LNG also confirmed the attack through a statement from its media communications officer Billson Hainsley. Hainsley said Deane dislocated a shoulder and sustained “an injury to the back of his neck.” Hainsley said Deane was taken to St Clair Medical Centre where he underwent minor surgery. A uniformed security guard at Deane’s Maraval home told Newsday that he was resting comfortably. “He is at home but wished not to talk to the media at this time, neither any other relative,” the guard said. Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad are continuing investigations.