Ballistic tests for coast guardsman’s gun after man shot

Officers of the San Fernando Division yesterday noted that they received conflicting reports as to the circumstances of the shooting.

However, they confirmed yesterday that a 29-year-old able seaman of Claxton Bay was in custody at the San Fernando Police Station, assisting with the investigations. The patron, a labourer, sustained a gunshot wound to his right hip and was treated and discharged from the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday evening.

The labourer, 24, is from San Fernando.

Police reports are that both men were patrons at the “Bae Jouvert” party held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, when at about 7 am the incident occurred in full view of other patrons. One version of the incident revealed that while in the party, a man accosted the labourer from behind.

The man attempted to snatch his gold chain during which he slapped the labourer in the face.

The labourer reported to police that he turned around to look at his attacker and saw the coast guardsman who pointed a firearm in his direction.

The labourer further claimed he began to run away and was shot. Prior to the incident both men did not know each other, police said.

Police said the “victim” initially reported that earlier that morning, the coast guardsman made “a tackle” (an advance) towards his female friend while in the party.

Another version of the incident suggested that the coast guardsman was purchasing drinks when a male patron attempted to grab his gold ID band off his hand. Simultaneously another man was attempting to yank his gold chain. In retaliating, the coast guardsman made several blows towards his attackers, one of whom included the labourer. Eyewitnesses claimed that during the melee, the coast guardsman managed to step back and pulled out his firearm which was hidden in the waistband of his trousers.

As patrons scampered for safety, a gunshot rang out, and police arrested the coast guardsman.

Police seized the weapon and took it yesterday to the Forensic Sciences Centre for testing to determine whether or not a bullet was fired from it.

Some eyewitnesses claimed that the coast guardsman, who has about eight years service and is posted at Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas, never fired from the weapon. Instead it was another patron, seen earlier partying with the “victim”, who opened fire.

Yesterday when Newsday contacted Coast Guard officials, Lieutenant Commander Kirk Jean-Baptiste confirmed only that there was an “incident involving a coast guardsman”.

He added that the coast guardsman is assisting police at the San Fernando CID and officials at the Forensic Science Centre. Police were up to yesterday still awaiting the results of the ballistic tests.