Police have seemingly made a breakthrough in investigations into the shooting to death of police corporal Romein Cleto as a key suspect has been arrested and could soon make a court appearance.
Last night, the family of the 26-year-old suspect expressed concern that he had been held since Thursday, in connection with the murder of Cleto and that police are unable to give them any information pertaining to his arrest.
Relatives say that Shaka Chase of East Ruimveldt was picked up at his home on Thursday around 6pm and although several efforts to have police give them an update have been made none has been forthcoming. Last night relatives stood in front of the Criminal Investigation Department, Eve Leary and expressed concern for Chase’s well-being while in custody.
The man’s father Clifton Chase said that the police barged into his home and arrested the man, clad only in his underwear, saying he was needed for questioning into the death of officer Cleto who was gunned down three weeks ago.
Clifton was adamant that his son was innocent and was picked up because of police profiling. He said that the man sells clothing for a living and is not involved in any illegal activities. “They pick him up because of his natty (dreadlocks)…this is not the first time they do that they always picking he up giving he a 72 (hours in custody) and then loosing he,” the father said.
The family is calling on the police to break their silence but is not optimistic that this will be done since it is the weekend and persons are held until the next working day.
Yesterday, speaking to reporters at the conclusion of a passing out parade for ranks who took part in two courses, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said that one person had been arrested. “We are looking for three others including one who is on bail and who never reported back. We may go to court on Monday”.
This development comes two days after police in a response to a newspaper article said that a prime suspect had been identified but had not yet been arrested.
On April 27, Cleto was shot dead while constables Randy Daly and Anil Rajpersaud were injured when gunmen opened fire on them on Avenue of the Republic in the vicinity of Regent Street.
The ranks at the time were on routine patrol when they reportedly spotted a suspicious white car on Avenue of the Republic in the vicinity of Robb Street.
At the time, the car which reportedly had a fake number plate was proceeding in a southerly direction. What might have also caused suspicion was that one of the occupants was wearing a handkerchief around his nose.
The ranks signalled for the driver of the car to stop but he failed to do so. The driver of the car proceeded to Croal Street before driving onto the western carriageway of Avenue of the Republic.
The car was forced to stop as the traffic light at the Regent Street junction turned red and the policemen exited their vehicle and proceeded to the car. As they approached, at least one gunman exited and opened fire.
Persaud had told Stabroek News that based on the spent shells recovered, a rifle and a pistol were used in the attack.
The only images that a state-installed CCTV camera, which was mounted on the Bank of Baroda building, picked up were people running. Following police investigations a man considered one of two prime suspects and who is known to the police was arrested. Another man turned himself in with an attorney.
They were released from police custody several days later.
