RALPH BANWARIE
Doctors at the Sangre Grande District Hospital were up to late yesterday attempting to save the arm of a police officer after he was shot by a double murder accused who was eventually killed by police officers in a police shootout.
Constable Darrin Francis, 35, of Oropouche Road, Fishing Pond, a member of Eastern Division Task Force is said to be in a serious condition and at risk of losing his arm.
The incident happened at Damarie Hill, Guaico, Sangre Grande. Francis was among a group of police officers who had gone to a house at Robinson Circular Road, Damarie Hill, Guaico, Sangre Grande around 7.45 am in search of Jason Khan who was being sought for the murders of Lloyd Ramkissoon 47, and his son Ryan Ramkissoon 19 of Langusta Trace, Toco Main Road Balandra on May 13, this year They were both shot and killed after an argument with Khan.
A report said the officers went a house on Robinson Circular Road, Damarie Hill, Guaico, Sangre Grande around 7.45 am yesterday in search of Khan. On arrival at the house they were greeted with gunfire. Francis was shot.
Police reported that Khan used a female neighbour as a shield to protect himself and shot at the police in an attempt to escape.
They were joined by officers of the Guard and Emergency Branch and Defence Force officers.
Insp Roger Alexander, who was also on the scene, repeatedly called on Khan to surrender but he refused. The police told Khan he had shot a police officer and his house was surrounded by police officers and soldiers.
Khan, however, refused to surrender but allowed the 30-year-old neighbour and her ailing grandmother to walk out of the house. They were both traumatised and had to be consoled by police officers before being taken for a medical check up. They were not hurt.
Police said Khan was subsequently shot and wounded. He and Francis were taken to hospital. Khan was pronounced dead on arrival.
When T&T Guardian contacted the Ramkissoon family by phone, They all said they felt relieved now that the killer of their loved ones is no longer alive.
Joan Ramkissoon, sister of Lloyd Ramkissoon, said they can now live in comfort as their fears of being killed is gone.
"We can walk the streets free without fear of being killed. Our freedom has returned."