A man identified only as Ricardo was killed by police in Mayaro on Sunday following a confrontation during an investigation into an alleged copper theft at an energy services compound.
According to the police account reported by CNC3, officers of the Mayaro CID were on mobile patrol at approximately 4:45 a.m. when they responded to a report of an intruder at the Tucker Energy Services Limited compound in New Lands Village, Mayaro.
The intruder was reportedly suspected of stealing copper from the compound.
Police said Constables Meighoo, Mentor and Ragbir searched the property but initially did not locate the suspect. During their checks, officers reportedly discovered that electrical cables were missing.
Coils of what police believed to be the missing cables were subsequently discovered in a bushy area near the compound’s perimeter fence.
Police said the officers later spotted a man matching the description of the alleged intruder in an open area behind the compound. He was reportedly carrying a cutlass, wearing a black backpack and had a headlight on his head.
According to the police account, PC Meighoo called out to the man, who allegedly ran away. Meighoo and Ragbir pursued him and eventually caught up with him.
Police said the officers again instructed the man to surrender and drop the cutlass.
During the encounter, officers allegedly discovered an iguana in his possession. Hunting is currently closed, making the possession of hunted wildlife potentially significant to the investigation.
Police reported that as Meighoo attempted to arrest the man, he was shoved in the chest. The man then allegedly grabbed his cutlass and swung it at the officer.
Meighoo reportedly moved backwards in an attempt to avoid the attack but suffered an injury to his right hand.
Police said the officer again ordered the man to surrender, but he allegedly attempted to attack Meighoo with the cutlass once more.
Meighoo then discharged his firearm.
The wounded man reportedly moved backwards before collapsing down a steep hill.
Police said officers attempted to remove him from the area but were initially unable to do so because of the terrain. Attempts to provide medical assistance were unsuccessful.
Ricardo’s body was subsequently recovered and an autopsy was ordered.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are expected to be investigated in keeping with procedures governing police-involved fatalities.
The account of the confrontation, including the allegation that Ricardo attacked the officer with a cutlass, represents the police version of events.
