BUSINESSMAN CHARGED FOR SHOOTING AT TREE NEAR ROAD WAY
GUARDIAN MEDIA REPORT
A Barrackpore businessman who is a licensed firearm user was arrested and charged by police on Sunday and his weapon seized, after he was found recklessly discharging it as his friend urinated at the side of the road.
The incident occurred around 5.45 pm along the Eastern Main Road, Manzanilla.
Reports say Cpl Maharaj and PCs Singh and Samuel, of the Manzanilla Police Station, were on mobile patrol along the EMR when they saw a white Kia Sportage parked in a track leading off the main road with both front doors open when they heard what sounded like a gunshot.
As the officers turned into the track behind the van, they saw a woman hurriedly attempting to get into the front passenger seat. They also saw the businessman, 59, of Union Hall, San Fernando, fidgeting with the waistband of his pants and attempting to get into the driver’s seat.
As the officers approached the vehicle and ordered the occupants out and searched them, they found a gun containing five rounds of 9 mm ammunition on the driver.
The businessman said he was the holder of a Firearms Users License and the officers checked his credentials and verified this was true. However, as they continued to question the businessman, PC Singh realised he had something clenched in his right hand.
When he opened his palm officers realised there was a spent 9 mm spent shell in it, which he handed over to PC Singh. The officer said a gunshot was heard earlier and cautioned the businessman.
To this, the businessman said, “Sir, my friend was peeing and long time I ain’t go on the range so I buss a shot to hit a tree.”
Asked to point out exactly where he discharged the weapon, the businessman pointed to a spot on the roadway.
PC Singh then informed the businessman it was an offence to discharge a firearm within 40 metres of a roadway. The businessman was then cautioned, arrested and taken to the Sangre Grande Police Station.
