By Cecily Asson Saturday, August 18 2012

Two unidentified men were killed yesterday by police officers while trying to shoot their way out of a robbery at a house in a quiet gated community in Chaguanas.

Police said a third man is now warded in critical condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope.

The three suspects were caught trying to escape from a house at Indus Lane, Riverview Park, Chaguanas with jewellery, cash and household items among them a flat screen television set and a stereo set, police said.

A .9 mm pistol and two spent shells were recovered, police said.

Police also recovered some of the stolen loot. When Newsday arrived a television set was on the river bank while several other items were strewn about the ground. Yesterday residents of the gated community were in high praise of police officers who they said responded in quickly.

“They really did well. They arrived in about ten minutes and swung into action immediately. When we heard the shooting we just ran inside until it was over,” said a resident.

According to reports, at about 3.30 pm yesterday, a team of police officers led by Supt Johnny Abraham and including ASP Bernard, Insp Burke and Sgt Ransome responded to a call from command centre and went to the Indus Lane, Riverview Park, Chaguanas. The report further stated that as police officers approached the house where the robbery was taking place, they observed three men running to the river with several household items in their hands.

Officers gave chase shouting ,“Police, Police.” The men continued running and climbed the river bank where they were joined by two other men, armed with firearms.

The gunmen began shooting at the police officers. Police returned fire injuring the suspects who were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Facility. Two of them were pronounced dead on arrival. One man was later transferred to the EWMSC where he remains warded in critical condition.

According to a report, the three men were seen earlier in the afternoon lurking outside the entrance gate to the community which is guarded by security officers.

Police believe they gained entry to the new development by walking down the river bank.

Also assisting in the exercise yesterday were officers of the Chaguanas CID.