Passengers escape death as cop’s bullet strikes car

Days after a woman and four children escaped serious injury when a bullet fired by a policeman trying to subdue a suspect struck their car, the T&T Police Service says it will review its Use of Force Policy.

This was the word from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin, after he visited East Port-of-Spain resident Krystle Sandiford yesterday.

Asked if it was necessary for the officer to fire his gun, Benjamin said, “We want to encourage more and more of our officers to ensure, even as we go outside there to deal with matters, that we have both lethal and non-lethal weapons to deal with situations.”

Following this latest incident, he said, “We are going to look at that in terms of our Use of Force Policy, and we are going to ensure that even in terms of our officers when they go out there, we have our baton, we have tasers, we have pepper spray, different things that can be used before we seek to use the lethal weapon.”

The suspect is currently warded at the St Ann’s Mental Hospital undergoing evaluation and treatment, while the injured officer is recuperating at home.

Sandiford, who lives at Nelson Street, was on her way home at 12.18 pm on Saturday when, on reaching outside the Fire Services’ Headquarters on Wrightson Road, she had to stop in traffic. Sandiford was transporting her son and three other minors at the time.

However, motorists were unable to proceed as a homeless man was throwing stones at persons in a nearby park. It was alleged the suspect attacked officers as they tried to subdue him, striking one in the left arm and chest, following which the officer drew his firearm and discharged two shots in the man’s direction.

One of the bullets reportedly struck Sandiford’s wagon, piercing the left passenger door and hitting the glove box.

Sandiford reported hearing a loud explosion and then saw smoke coming from the front of the car. After pulling over and exiting the car, she realised the left indicator light was also broken.

While the five were spared physical harm, the resulting trauma was enough to cause Sandiford to burst into tears yesterday, as she recounted the incident to Benjamin, Snr Supt of the Port-of-Spain Division Raymond Thom and investigating officer ASP Ramlogan.

She choked up as she thanked God for sparing them.

“I am hoping the investigations will be done in a thorough and fair manner. I pray for the officer who would have been doing his duty at the point in time and I ask that continued guidance for him,” Sandiford said.

As tears rolled down her face, she added, “Nothing can replace life and I just thankful that we have it.”

She said they were on the way home after visiting MovieTowne, Invader’s Bay, to purchase tickets for a movie later in the day.

Asked how the children were doing emotionally, she admitted, “They not doing too good. Some keep crying… traumatised… shake up a little. I and all, every time I think about it, it play back in my head.”

Indicating the daily violence in their immediate environment had only added to the overall trauma, Sandiford said, “It terrifying. I ain’t trying to run or hide from living cause anywhere you go, it could happen.”

Comforted by Benjamin’s visit and satisfied with his assurance that a thorough investigation was underway, she said, “I looking forward to them doing their investigation and getting their findings. This vehicle is my means of transport. I don’t have anything else and the school term about to close, but in January, I will need it to do my motherly duties.”

Following discussions with Sandiford and the investigators, Benjamin said, “This is not a situation that we really feel good about but nevertheless, we are here as the TTPS to lend that support to Ms Sandiford. We are here to let her know that there is a part of the police service which engages in soft policing that shows we care about our citizens, and to be in a position like this, could be very traumatic.”

Counselling to victims

He said the Victim and Witness Support Unit will provide counselling and support for the traumatised five and the findings will be forwarded to Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher as soon as the investigation is completed.

On the issue of compensation for the damage done to Sandiford’s car, Benjamin said, “If it is found that through the negligence of a police officer, that something like this happened, my understanding is that there is an allowance that the police can stand some measure of liability in terms of ensuring that there is funding to bring back the person, at least back to their original position.”

Benjamin said he would be following the matter personally to ensure all parties are treated fairly.

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