Four bandits shot after high speed chase

FOUR bandits were shot and are now resting in a stable condition at the Port-of-Spain general hospital following a high speed chase that started in Curepe and ended with a shootout in Cunupia following the ‘Tassarama’ competition in Tunapuna. At around 3.15 am yesterday the management of Whistle Stop Recreation Club at the corner of Wilkinson Street and Back Street, Tunapuna, were closing up after a successful ‘Tassarama’ competition held by the Tunapuna Carnival Committee (TCC) when four men exited a cream-coloured Honda Civic and announced a hold-up. All the patrons had left already and the management was counting the cash made from the day’s sales. The men left with a quantity of money and jewelry and made good their escape.

A report was made to the Tunapuna police station and the car was later spotted on the Southern Main Road, Curepe, by patrolling officers. The car and its occupants were motioned to stop but instead they increased speed and took off in a southerly direction. A high speed chase and a shootout developed, as officers of the Tunapuna Criminal Investigation Department were also joined by members of the patrolling Anti-Kidnapping Squad finally ending with the car crashing into a drain at Esmeralda Drive, Cunupia. All four occupants between the ages of 17 and 28 suffered from gunshot wounds and were pulled from the wrecked car. They were rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where they were still warded up to press time. Police also seized two .38 and one 9mm revolvers. Cpl Moona is spearheading inquiries.