SRP shot dead in maxi-taxi

A 27-year-old special reserve police officer was shot dead during a robbery by a lone gunman inside a maxi-taxi at 10.35 pm on Wednesday. Heston Joseph, who was attached to the Highway Patrol, was travelling in a maxi-taxi from City Gate to Morvant, when on reaching in the vicinity of Coconut Growers Association, a gunman seated inside the maxi-taxi shot Joseph in the head. The gunman then robbed the driver and passengers and fled the scene. The driver drove the maxi to the Morvant Police Station and the body of Joseph was viewed by a District Medical Officer. The body was ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre.

Joseph was one of the 500 special reserve police constables employed one year ago to assist in the fight against crime. New Police Commissioner Trevor Paul expressed sadness over the death of Joseph, but assured that police will be working ’round the clock to solve that murder and other outstanding murders. He pointed out that the gun-related  deaths were a major cause for concern and the police will be using a series of new strategies to deal with the escalating murders. Senior officers of the Highway Patrol where Joseph worked expressed sadness at his death. They also expressed outrage over the senseless killing. At Second Caledonia, Morvant, where Joseph lived, relatives were distraught over his murder.

His sister, Yolanis Joseph, told Newsday that her brother never troubled anyone and was a Christian. He produced a gospel CD last year and was in the process of completing a second one. “It is very hurtful and my brother did not deserve to die this way,” said the grieving woman. Sgt Edwards of the Besson Street Police Station is investigating.