THE POLICE Complaints Authority (PCA) is officially investigating the shooting death of a man identified as Shakeel Smart at the hands of the police on Sunday night in Cascade.
PCA Director David West confirmed the enquiry yesterday and also reported that Smart was the ninth person to have been shot and killed by police for the year.
Police reported around 10 p.m. on Sunday, officers from the Guard and Emergency Branch were on patrol along the Cascade Main Road when they observed a white Nissan AD Wagon with three men inside. Upon seeing the police, the vehicle sped off. The officers pursued, and a chase ensued to Hololo Mountain Road.
Police said during the chase, the suspects opened fire on the officers and the officers returned fire. Police further reported that near a villa along the roadway, the driver lost control and veered off the street. Three men exited the car. Two fled the scene while one collapsed.
The injured man, Smart, was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Searches were conducted for the two other suspects; however, they could not be located. A post-mortem is expected to be performed on Smart’s body at the Forensic Science Centre, Federation Park this week.
