Gang war leaves two hospitalised

An ongoing gang war in Tunapuna has left a teenager fighting for his life and another resting comfortably after being chopped. According to reports, at around 6.30 pm last Saturday, a birthday party was being held at the Maynard’s residence on El Dorado Road, Tunapuna. Members of a rival gang standing in the road called out to members of another gang who were inside the Maynard’s residence.

The group inside came out of the house and a mad scramble ensued. Meral Joseph, 19, received four stab wounds to his chest and his friend Shurland Paynter, 20, was chopped on his right hand and beaten on his head with a gun butt. Both men were rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where Paynter was treated and discharged, while Joseph was warded for observation with a swollen lung which doctors believe could be the result of a puncture. Police sources confirmed that there is a gang war in the area and regular fights take place among members, but this is the most serious incident reported to date. Police told Newsday that an arrest is imminent.