Ralph Banwarie
A man wanted in connection with the murder of a police officer was shot and killed by police during an exchange of gunfire in Matura on Tuesday night.
The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Hassan Johnson, also known as “H-Man”.
Johnson was wanted in connection with the July 28 murder of Police Constable Romel Douglas, 48, who was shot and killed by gunmen while sitting in his car along Caroni Bank Road, Kelly Village, Caroni.
Police had been searching for Johnson since the killing.
According to reports, officers from the Eastern Division received information earlier on Tuesday about a strange man seen at Mora Trace, Matura. When officers responded, the man ran into a forested area and escaped.
Police returned to Mora Trace later that night after receiving information that Johnson was staying at a house in the area.
The officers surrounded the house, announced their presence and ordered Johnson to surrender.
Police said he refused and opened fire at the officers, who returned fire.
Johnson was shot several times and fell to the ground. He was taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A woman who was allegedly harbouring Johnson was detained and is assisting police with their investigations.
Residents of Mora Trace have raised concerns about an increasing number of unfamiliar people reportedly staying in makeshift structures in the area.
One elderly resident told Guardian Media that outsiders were giving Matura a bad name and called for the situation to be addressed.
Police are continuing their investigations into the shooting.
