Police officer stabbed by mentally ill man

The victim identified as PC Charles and another officer PC Ramsubhag, both of the Southern Division Task Force were on mobile patrol in Princes Town around 7.30 pm on Saturday when they responded to a report that a mentally ill man was threatening residents along the Naparima Mayaro road in the vicinity of the Princes Town Fire Station.

On arrival at the scene police reports state, the man began throwing pieces of steel rods and stones at the officers. Charles attempted to subdue the man when he pulled out a knife and stabbed him in his back. He also sustained a cut to left little finger.

Charles fell to the ground with the impact of the stabbing and injured his left knee.

With the assistance of PC Ramsubhag and other officers who arrived at the scene, the mentalli ill man was subdued and taken to the Princes Town Police Station while Charles was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he remains warded. Cpl.

Malloo is continuing investigations.

Over the past three months, four mentally ill men —Paul Marchan, Raymond Joseph, Daniel Paul and Edison Thompson - have been shot dead by police prompting criticisms from some sectors in the society including Roman Catholic priest Fr Martin Sirju who called for respect for the mentally ill.