Hours after Michael Patterson was gunned down in San Fernando on Friday, one of his relatives and the man who allegedly killed him were severely injured in a shootout yesterday.
Both men were warded in critical condition at the San Fernando General Hospital with Patterson’s relative barely surviving a gunshot wound to the head.
The suspected murderer suffered heavy blood loss after a gunshot to his leg severed a major artery.
Police said the 27-year-old suspect was asleep with his common-law wife at their home off Upper Hillside Drive, San Fernando, a stone’s throw away from Patterson’s home.
He was awakened around 7.30 am by gunshots outside his home and, as he ran outside, he was shot in his foot.
He was taken to hospital by family members and as police went to get information, Patterson’s relative, who is well known to the police, was also brought to the hospital.
Investigators believe there was a shootout between the men over Patterson’s killing, resulting in both of them being shot.
Southern Division police, including ASP Rawl Ramdeo, Insp Don Gajadhar, PC Ali, PC Snaggs and PC Crawford responded and while combing the bushes near the scene, they found a revolver and shotgun.
Investigators believe the guns were used in the shootout, one of which was also used in Patterson’s murder.
The guns will be sent for ballistic testing for confirmation.
Patterson, 27, of Medine Street, San Fernando, was standing along the busy Mucurapo Street around 4.30 pm Friday when a gunman ran up and shot him three times. He fell to the ground and died as the suspect ran through a track and hijacked a red Hyundai Matrix along Coffee Street.
The mini van was later recovered at Lewis Street, San Fernando.
The Guardian was told that a group of men were looking for Patterson after he assaulted a man along Coffee Street last week.
Patterson, who is well known to police, was arrested and charged for marijuana possession two weeks ago but was out on bail.