Bandits run into waiting cops

The bandits, police said, were caught while they were desperately searching for their getaway car. They were held with $5,000, a quantity of jewelry and two firearms. The suspects — both 20 and from San Fernando — are expected to be placed on several identification parades before being formally charged with the supermarket robbery plus possession of arms and ammunition.

The incident occurred at about 3.30 pm, sources said, when the bandits stormed Fyzool Supermarket at Bonne Aventure Road, Gasparillo. They ordered the cashier and shoppers to hand over their valuables.

According to a police report, a Play Whe machine cashier was robbed of $1,500. A 17-year-old Gasparillo student who was shopping at the time, was robbed of $3,000 worth in jewelry while the proprietor of the business place — Subhan Fyzool — was robbed of his wallet containing $30, reports said. An undisclosed sum of money was also taken from the supermarket cash register.

When the bandits left the supermarket, a call was immediately placed to the Gasparillo police station.

Sgts Matthew Noel and Renzi Ramdeen along with Constables Wilkinson and Ifill hurried to the supermarket and spotted the bandits running along Bedeau Street searching for their getaway car. Following a short chase, the bandits circled around and ran straight into the clutches of the officers.

All of the stolen items were recovered. Police believe a third suspect, who was waiting in the getaway car, panicked and drove off. Sources added that following information received, they are confident this suspect will be nabbed soon.