Chaos broke out in San Fernando yesterday as a man who was well known to police was gunned down along the busy Mucurapo Street.
Shoppers and pedestrians said they ran for cover when they heard the gunshots and later found Michael Patterson lying dead on the pavement in front of Pyramid Drugs.
Police said that Patterson, 27, of Medine Street, San Fernando, was standing on the pavement when a lone gunman ran up to him and fired three shots. He fell on the ground and died.
Witnesses told police that the gunman ran through a track near the San Fernando Market.
On reaching Coffee Street, the killer hijacked a red Hyundai Matrix and threw the driver out.
As he sped off, he collided with two vehicles. The car was later found abandoned at Lewis Street, San Fernando.
A team of officers, including Supt Simbonath Rajkumar, ASP Joey Samaroo, Insp Don Gajadhar and Sgt Dale Ramroop, responded and cordoned off the area which was crowded with onlookers.
Up to last night, police were searching for the suspect who wore a red jersey, a pair of black 3/4 pants and a pair of black and white sneakers. He was 5’8” tall and of medium build.
Although no definite motive was given, the T&T Guardian was told that Patterson assaulted a man on Coffee Street on Thursday night and his death might be payback.
Police also said he was charged for possession of marijuana two months ago and was out on bail.