In the early hours of Wednesday in Point Lisas, Trinidad, chaos erupted in a parking area frequented by nightlife patrons, leading a police officer to fire shots into the air in an attempt to control a violent outbreak. The incident broke out near Olympus and Rampy’s Bar Car Park where about 300 people were gathered, and a man was being severely assaulted by a group.
A Special Branch IT constable, who was off-duty yet near the scene, witnessed the altercation. Determining the man’s life was in danger amidst the rapidly deteriorating situation, he felt compelled to intervene. The constable made his police identity known and demanded an end to the assault, but his commands were ignored.
In response, with the victim’s safety in mind, the constable discharged three rounds from his licensed Glock pistol into the air, successfully dispersing the crowd. The move quickly broke up the gathering and allowed for the injured individual to receive attention. Passersby promptly transported the hurt man to the nearby Couva Health Facility.
Upon arrival at the healthcare center, authorities identified the victim as an 18-year-old resident of Bagna Trace, Chase Village. At the time, the young man was under significant distress and showed signs of intoxication, which hindered his ability to provide a formal statement to the police. Notable among his injuries was a significant head wound.
The event prompted a thorough investigation led by PC Kalloo. As part of standard procedure and due diligence, law enforcement temporarily confiscated the officer’s firearm for forensic examination. This included his Glock’s three magazines, 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and his Firearm User’s License (FUL) card, despite some anomalies with the latter items, such as two defective magazines and a defaced FUL booklet.
The seizure of the officer’s gear is customary in such incidents, and serves as part of an investigative measure to ensure all actions taken were in line with departmental regulations and safety standards. It also helps maintain transparency and accountability within the police service in handling cases where an officer’s intervention leads to the use of a firearm.
While initial inquiries suggest the constable’s actions were crucial in preventing further harm to the victim, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are expected to review all related evidence, including surveillance footage from the area, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic analysis of the weapon used.
This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding safety in nightlife settings, prompting discussions among local leaders about enhancing security measures and potentially increasing police presence during late hours to deter such violent encounters.
The community awaits further details as officials continue to piece together the events that unfolded in what should have been a safe space for socializing, now marred by violence that nearly cost a young man his life.