Suspects in firebombing of tractor among 18 held in raids

Three suspects in the firebombing of a tractor at a Beverly Hills housing project in Laventille, were among 18 persons arrested in a massive police/army exercise in Laventille yesterday.

The three suspects, in their early 20’s, were wanted for the firebombing incident on August 5, in which a tractor valued $250,000 from the firm S&M was firebombed. The three were also wanted for the shooting with intent on a house belonging to Leslie Ann Lewis at Beverly Hills a few days later. Lewis reported to the police that she was at her home when she was alerted by the sound of rapid gunfire. On checking, she saw spent shells in her living room and kitchen, and discovered that her house had been sprayed with bullets. Lewis claimed that the attack on her home came about because she had spoken out against the firebombing of the tractor.

The exercise yesterday started at 5 am and ended at 8.30 am. It involved more than 100 police and soldiers with assistance from officers of the Canine Branch and the Police Helicopter unit. Officers cordoned off several areas in Laventille and carried out searches at various homes. Those arrested were wanted on outstanding warrants for robberies committed. The exercise was coordinated by Supt Errol Denoon and included ASP Sealey, Inspectors Ramnarine, Brereton, Ag Inspector Sahadeo Singh and others.