AN urgent appeal has been issued for blood donations to assist a police officer who was shot and critically injured while in the line of duty on Friday night.
PC Alex Koon Koon has been hospitalised at the San Fernando General Hospital since the incident.
Up to yesterday, he remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he is being treated for internal injuries after he was shot in the abdomen in a confrontation with a suspect.
PC Koon Koon is attached to the Mon Repos Police Station and has about five years of service with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), a senior police officer told the Express yesterday.
The confrontation occurred when Koon Koon and other police officers of the Southern Division responded to a report that a man was seen with a firearm in La Romaine.
A media release from the TTPS on April 4 stated that Koon Koon was among a team of officers from the Mon Repos Police Station who responded to a report of a man armed with a firearm seated in the gallery of a house located along La Plaisance Road, La Romaine.
Upon arrival around 10.50 p.m., Koon Koon alighted from the marked police vehicle when gunshots were heard coming from the gallery. Koon Koon sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen, and a man was seen running away from the scene.
Koon Koon was immediately taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and was hospitalised in the ICU in critical condition. The 29-year-old officer sustained severe injuries to his spleen and one of his lungs, the senior officer said.
The media release stated that attempts to apprehend the suspect were without success, but following investigations, three people—a woman and two men—were detained and are assisting with the police investigations.
Also in the media release, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro has visited the injured officer and has spoken with his family members. On behalf of the TTPS, he extended prayers and best wishes for the speedy recovery of Koon Koon.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin, who is supervising the investigation, stated in the release, “When a police officer is shot in the line of duty, it strikes at the very heart of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the rule of law we are sworn to uphold. This is not just an attack on the TTPS, but on the safety and security of every law-abiding citizen.
“Let me be clear—this incident will not deter us. The TTPS is actively pursuing a thorough and comprehensive investigation, and we will intensify our operations, follow every lead, and bring those responsible to justice.
“We remain resolute, unwavering, and relentless in our mission to protect and serve, and we will not allow those bent on disrupting our society to succeed,” she added.
Appeals have been made through social media for the public to visit the San Fernando General Hospital to give blood donations, particularly those with the blood type O-positive.
“Help PC Koon Koon in his fight for his recovery,” said one of the posters on social media.
“Please give blood to help save his life,” was the appeal, adding that every donation could make a difference as the officer continues to fight for his life at the hospital.
