Bandit shoots prison officer, partner

AG PRISON OFFICER Tyrus Pope and one of the men who tried to rob him were each shot in a botched robbery yesterday.

At around 12.20 am yesterday, Pope was standing outside his car at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, when two armed men rode up to him on bicycles, shot him on his right foot and ordered him to hand over his car keys. The frightened, bleeding man obliged and one of the gunmen got in and tried in vain to start the engine. He then ordered Pope to get in and start the car. The bleeding prison officer got in but had difficulty starting the car, much to the annoyance of the gunman who thought Pope was stalling.

The gunman shot Pope in his left foot but the bullet ricocheted and hit the other bandit in his left hand. The engine eventually started and Pope was kicked out of the car while the worried bandit rushed his colleague to the Arima District Hospital. At the same time, a determined Pope walked to the nearby Malabar Police Station where he made a report and was carried to the Arima District Hospital for medical attention. While there, he was able to identify the bandit who was also awaiting attention for a gunshot wound. A 18-year-old Malabar man was arrested.

The man, who was treated and discharged, will appear before an Arima magistrate tomorrow. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of another 18-year-old Malabar man. Pope is resting comfortably at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.  Visiting the scene were constables Shana Harewood, Navin Bagaloo and Naim Gaines. Gaines is continuing the investigation.