Two killed in gang shootout

TWO gang members were killed yesterday evening in a rival gang shootout. According to reports, Jensen Smith, 26, and Oba Daniel, 20, both of Prizgar Lands in Laventille, confronted each other around 4.30 pm yesterday  about gang business in the area. The confrontation heated up and the two men whipped out firearms and started shooting at each other. When the dust was cleared, both men were lying on the ground with several bullet wounds. They were both rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where they died within a few seconds of each other. When Newsday visited the area, residents refused to talk.

This brings the total number of murders to 108 for the year, and seven in the last four days alone. Sgt Mc Kay of the Besson Street Police Station is investigating. In an unrelated matter, retiree Rawle Barrow, 67, is now in critical condition after being robbed and shot. According to reports, Barrow was removing some wood from in front of his premises at Newbury Hill, Glencoe  at around 4.45 pm, when a white car with three men pulled up. The man in the backseat got out and announced a hold-up. When he ordered Barrow to hand over his wallet, the retiree refused and was shot in his arm and abdomen. The man then grabbed his wallet and drove off. The injured man was rushed to the West Shore Medical Centre in West Cocorite where  emergency surgery was performed. Sgt Ramsoobhag is continuing enquiries.