Suspects in murder of cop released

Police over the weekend released the two suspects held in connection with the shooting to death of police corporal Romain Cleto and the injury to two others, according to crime chief Seelall Persaud who said that the hunt continues for a third man.

Contacted yesterday for an update, Persaud said that there has been no further development in the investigations into the April 27 shooting.

Romain Cleto
Romain Cleto

Asked about the spent shells recovered from the scene and their possible link to other crimes, he said that they are still being analyzed by police.

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.

Shortly after, a second man who was not wanted by the police turned up with his lawyer. He too was detained for questioning.