(Trinidad Express) A bystander was accidentally shot by a police officer attempting to defend himself in Port of Spain after he was robbed on Thursday evening.
The incident took place around 5.25 p.m. on Charlotte Street.
A police constable was driving on the street and had brought his Nissan X-Trail to a stop in traffic when was confronted by a man armed with a knife.
The suspect placed the weapon to the officer’s neck, snatched his gold chain and fled the scene.
However, the officer chased after the suspect.
After some time the suspect turned around to confront the officer with the knife.
The officer pulled out his licensed firearm and shot at the suspect.
And while he did hit his target, he also shot a 33-year-old woman who was standing nearby.
The officer notified his colleagues at the Port of Spain Division and a team of officers led by Insp Sooklalsingh responded.
The suspect and the injured woman were taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man from Nelson Street, Port of Spain, was warded in a serious condition. while the 33-year-old woman, who was shot in her chest, is in a stable condition.
Two spent shells from the officer’s gun were recovered at the scene.