Man goes on trial for shooting at cops

A PORT-OF-SPAIN man went on trial yesterday before a San Fernando High Court judge charged with shooting at two policemen who tried to arrest him three years ago. Odai Callendar appeared before Justice Alice Yorke-Soo Hon in the Second Criminal Assizes  charged with shooting at Constables Edmund Sanoir and Wayne Charles, possession of a nine-millimetre semi-automatic pistol and possession of three rounds of ammunition. Callendar is being represented by  attorney Mehwalal Chatoor, while the prosecution’s case is being presented by State attorney Joan Honore-Paul. According to the prosecution, on April 24, 2000, PCs Sanoir and Charles were in a party of Port-of-Spain CID officers on inquiries in Mayaro when they spotted Callendar standing at the corner of St Ann’s Road.

As the policemen stopped their vehicle and started to approach Callendar, he tried to flee. PC Sanoir, the first witness to take the stand yesterday, testified that he called out to the accused: “Police! Odai stop!” However, instead of heeding the command, Odai took out a gun and began shooting at the officers. Sanoir said he saw Callendar hiding behind a tree, and as he approached him, the accused came out with the gun pointed at him. The officer told the Court that he called out, “Odai drop the gun!” and fired a shot. PC Charles also fired a shot, Sanoir said, and Callendar fell to the ground. PC Sanoir said when he searched the accused, he found a red satchel tied to his waist. Callendar said: “That is my jumbie, that is my protection.” The bag was found to contain ammunition. After PC Sanoir completed his testimony, Prosecutor Honore-Paul told the court the State would be calling two more witnesses. The case continues today.