Thieves tied up, beat and robbed three security officers in the Moruga forests early Wednesday, before fleeing with steel drill pipes.
Investigators said Gerald Henry, 47, Nigel Andrews, 42 and Winford Stoute, 53 of Moruga were on duty at Columbus Energy’s Inniss/Trinity facility when they were approached by four masked men wearing dark clothing.
One had a gun and the others carried cutlasses. The gunman pulled out some straps and tied up the security officers. One of the officers tried to raise an alarm but was struck several times. The thieves took all their cellular phones and cash. They then began chopping off several steel drill pipes on the compound.
Police said Stoute managed to free himself and ran off, raising an alarm. The thieves then fled, leaving the pipes on the ground.
Police said they have beefed up patrols in the area and are on the search for the suspects.
Off-duty cop shoots robber
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, police are also on the lookout for an injured robber who was possibly shot by an off duty policeman following a robbery at Block Four, Palmiste on Tuesday.
Investigators said PC Mitra Gobin, 46, was standing in the vicinity of Triple M Equipment Rental when he was approached by the gunman who demanded cash and jewellery.
The police officer was stripped of his gold chain with pendant valued $40,000, one diamond cut hand band valued $8000, a gold ring with the TTPS design valued $2000 and $5,000.
The suspect then ran off and tried to escape in a waiting grey Mitsubishi Lancer.
PC Gobin gave chase and drew his licensed firearm from his ankle holster. The suspect then fired three shots at the officer who returned fire.
The suspect then jumped into the car which sped off.
Officers of the South Operations Centre were asked to be on the lookout for the car. It was discovered abandoned on Cipero Road with extensive damages to the front. There was a gunshot on the driver’s side door and blood on the driver’s seat.
PC Goolcharan and Actg Cpl Beetan interviewed Gobin and recovered three spent wheels from the scene of the crime. ASP Ali-Mohammed is continuing enquires.
(RDS)
Source Guardian