By Nalinee Seelal Sunday, January 29 2012

A 25-year-old suspect who robbed a man of cash, cell-phone and other valuables early yesterday, was killed when he was impaled by a piece of iron after falling into a drain while running from police at Mausica Road Arima, one hour after the robbery.

The dead man was identified as Jonathan Sanchez, of Mausica Road, Arima.

Police said yesterday that Sanchez was wanted in connection with several robberies along the East West corridor.

According reports, at about 4 am yesterday, a robbery victim reported to police that while he was at the corner of Farfan Street and Broadway in Arima, he was robbed by two men known to him. The man said he was relieved of a quantity of cash, jewelry and a cellphone.

He made a report to the Arima police and accompanied the police officers in search of the two suspects, ages 25 and 14. The suspects were eventually cornered by police near a Hindu temple on Mausica Road at about 5 am. As the officers approached the two suspects, the 14-year-old surrendered and was taken into police custody. However, the 25-year-old Sanchez ran off, causing officers to pursue him. Sanchez was cornered by one of the officers and a struggle ensued, causing the officer’s firearm to fall to the ground. Sanchez reportedly grabbed the gun and pointed it at the officer, but one of the offcier’s colleagues began firing at Sanchez in a bid to disarm him.

Sanchez again ran off but fell into a drain where he was impaled by a piece of iron. He was taken to the Arima Health Facility where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Superintendent Bullen visited the scene and investigations are continuing.