Toco suspect held in forest

The 32-year-old man was held in the Toco Forest along with three of his accomplices.

The three others, all in their 20s, were taken to the Sangre Grande Police Station where charges were expected to be laid by Cpl Cole.

Reports revealed that the contingent of police officers, acting on a tip, went into the Toco Forest where they flushed out the four suspects.

A cutlass and other key pieces of evidence were seized from a house. It was also reported that the police have recovered the $21,000 ransom money as well as a 9mm gun which was allegedly used in the crime. The suspects will appear before a Sangre Grande magistrate on Monday.

Police investigators told Newsday that the main suspect could be charged with more than 50 outstanding offences in addition to the kidnapping.

He was wanted for a series of break-ins, shootings, larceny and other offences

Yesterday, residents of Toco and surrounding areas expressed relief at the arrest of the suspects.

Jade Solis, 21, was kidnapped last Saturday night while having dinner with friends at relatives in Toco. A cutlass wielding man robbed her relatives of cash and other valuables and then fled the scene with Solis.

She told police that she was forced to walk about ten miles into the forest and taken to an abandoned house inside Monsegue Trace.

On Monday afternoon, Solis was allowed to speak with relatives.

The kidnapper then demanded US$1 million for Solis.

He was reportedly paid $21,000, and Solis was released early Tuesday.

Investigations are continuing.