Bandit killed in shootout with security guard

A Laventille bandit was shot dead yesterday by a security officer who was himself shot outside a parlour at North Post Road, Patna Village, Diego Martin. Sherwin Smith, 32, alias “Sadist” of Smithy Lane, Pashley Street, Laventille, was shot in the head in an exchange of gunfire with the security officer. He then stumbled into a nearby drain where he fell and subsequently died.

The security officer received a wound to his leg and was rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital where he was treated. A second gun-wielding bandit ran off. According to reports, around 3 pm, the Amalgamated Security officer was guarding Coca Cola salesmen who were delivering stock to a parlour, when he saw two armed men approaching. The guard hid behind a car parked in the yard, while one of the gunmen ran around the house behind him and started firing. The gunman approaching him in front did the same. Trapped in the middle, the security officer returned fire on both sides, shooting the gunman in front of him in the head.

The other gunman fled. The car sustained a bullet hole to the right rear door. Another car behind the security officer was damaged on back windshield. Investigations revealed “Sadist” had several charges for robbery, possession of arms and ammunition and had several pending matters before Port-of-Spain court. Police believe robbery of the security officer’s gun and the salesmen was the motive. Visiting the scene were ASP Cadette, Insp Lezama, Sgt Duncan and WP Cpl Diaz. Cpl Diaz is investigating.