Ex-national cyclist shoots bandit

According to reports, Samuel was driving his station-wagon west along the Beetham Highway when he realised one of the vehicle’s tyres was flat. He parked on the shoulder of the highway to change the tyre when two men approached and announced a robbery.

One of the men pointed a gun at Samuel and ordered him to hand over his jewelry. The bandits relieved Samuel of a gold chain and bracelet valued at close to $10,000.

As the bandits were running off, Samuel is said to have drawn his licensed firearm and fired several shots. Samuel noticed one of the bandits liming.

Constable Singh and WPC Joseph of the Highway Patrol and Traffic Branch responded to a report and went in search of the bandits. Officers, acting on information, went to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where they arrested a man of Beetham Gardens who at the time was seeking medical treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs. The suspect remains warded under armed police guard. Based on further information received, officers have issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect. Detective Constable Purcell of Besson Street CID is investigating.

When Newsday contacted Samuel for a comment on the incident yesterday, he declined to do so.