Panman shot in foot during victory celebration

A 26-year-old Laventille man was shot in the foot while celebrating the victory of Witco Desperadoes, which copped the first prize at the Republic Pan Fiesta competition held on Saturday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah..

Reports revealed that around 1.30 am, Leslie Nicholas was standing close to Despers Pan Tent, Laventille, when several loud explosions were heard. Reports revealed that Nicholas felt a burning sensation on his left foot and realised that he had been shot. He was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was treated and warded. A party of officers led by Cpl Sookdeo and including PCS Edwards and Chulhan of the Besson Street CID went to the scene and carried out inquiries. An eyewitness told officers that a group of men who were upset over the victory of Despers at the pan competition held on Saturday night, went to the area where celebrations were taking place and started firing in the direction where people were standing. More than 35 shots were reportedly fired by the gunmen. Up until late yesterday no arrests were made.

When Newsday visited the area, panmen complained that they had asked for a police presence or even patrols in the area between midnight and yesterday but they were blanked. They claimed that if police officers had even maintained a presence in the area, the gunmen would have been apprehended and weapons seized. Checks with Besson Street police revealed that patrols were carried out in the area. They claimed that the person or persons who shot Nicholas carried out the act  shortly after a patrol was carried out.