(Trinidad Guardian) A police officer was shot and killed on Rich Plain Road, Diego Martin, yesterday, while conducting a search operation. This resulted in a massive search for the suspects, involving dozens of officers, that continued late into last night.
Police Constable Clarence Gilkes, 44, who was attached to the Western Division, was among officers responding to a report that men were seen in the area with high-powered weapons when he was shot dead.
Gilkes was taken to the hospital, where he was eventually pronounced dead. He had been shot in his neck.
More than 80 officers were up to late last night combing the thick, forested hills of Diego Martin into Chaguaramas in search of the assailant or assailants.
Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob visited the scene and said the criminals had made a terrible mistake to “wage war” against the police.
“They, not we, they have declared war on the Police Service and I think that is the worse mistake anyone can make. Yes, we operate within the framework of the law but we will do all that is necessary to deal with these persons who are responsible for this act. When you touch one police officer, you have touched all. We are out here and we will do what is required to bring these persons to justice,” he said.
Jacob urged the shooter or shooters to go to the nearest police station and surrender themselves.
Jacob also denied claims by some that the officer was shot by a bullet fired by another officer pursuing the suspect.
“An officer is shot in the front and we’re talking about friendly fire?” he asked.
He said the officers were on patrol when they got the report of the men with the guns. He said they were fired upon when they began climbing some stairs in pursuit of the suspects.
“The Police Service is in mourning and condolences to the officer’s family,” Jacob said.
President of the T&T Police Service Social and Welfare Association Gideon Dickson said the association was offering a reward of $20,000 that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.
Dickson said that the membership is deeply hurt by what transpired. He assured that support will be offered to the family, as well as Gilkes’ colleagues.
Up to late last night, a heavy police presence was maintained in the Upper Rich Plain Road area and other parts of Diego Martin.