Three men are expected to appear before a magistrate on Monday 23rd November 2020, to face multiple charges, after a shootout with Emergency Response Patrol (ERP) police officers on Wednesday 18 November 2020.
The three men were arrested and charged on Friday 20 November 2020, according to an official report from the Police Service.
The TTPS confirms in the release that 27-year-old Leon Carrera of Arima, 38-year-old Adrian Maharaj of St. Margaret’s, and 19-year-old Ken Wallace (alias Shorn Alexander) of Wallerfield, were charged with two counts of shooting with intent, possession of firearm and ammunition, and possession of firearm and ammunition to endanger life.
The three men face charges after they were involved in a high speed chase with officers of the South Western Division ERP, who were responding to a report of an attempted house break in on the day in question—November 18th.
Police reports state that the officers, while proceeding along the Penal Quinam Road, observed a Silver Nissan Latio driving at a dangerous speed in the opposite direction. The officers became suspicious of the occupants of the vehicle and gave chase.
While attempting a right turn at the junction of the SS Erin Road and the Penal Quinam Road, the Nissan Latio reportedly ran off the roadway, colliding with a signpost. The police officers exited their vehicle and cautiously approached the men, who, upon seeing their approach, opened fire.
The TTPS release says the police officers, fearful for their safety, and in keeping with the use of force policy, returned fire on the occupants of the vehicle, who then fled in multiple directions.
The men were arrested and charged after extensive investigations were conducted in a joint effort by officers of the Penal, Siparia, Princes Town and Couva CIDs, supervised by ASP Ramdeen.
Leon Carrera, Adrian Maharaj and Ken Wallace are carded to appear before a magistrate tomorrow, Monday 23rd November 2020.
