An unemployed Wallerfield man who went on a chopping spree yesterday is now warded in hospital fighting for his life, after he was shot by police when he attacked an officer who was pursuing him.
The man, 42, had chopped farmer Terry Williams, 35, to death and dealt another neighbour chop wounds to the hands.
When police in responding to a trouble call later tried to get him to surrender, he attacked the officers, injuring PC St Clair on the leg.
The officer was taken to the Arima Health Facility and was said to be resting in stable condition last night.
Police reported that around 2 pm after getting a call from Wallerfield residents of a chopping incident, they spotted the suspect at Moonan Road, Wallerfield. But when he saw the vehicle he ran off. The police chased after him and one officer caught up with the suspect. However, he was injured as he attempted to subdue him.
The other officers in pursuit then opened fire on the suspect, hitting him several times about his body.
The man, who is yet to be identified by the police, was arrested, placed in the police vehicle and taken to the Arima Health Facility, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Police said the suspect began his attacks at midnight yesterday, when he first chopped Williams. Williams reportedly went outside to put out a burning towel when he was attacked and chopped about the head, arms and chest. He got into his vehicle to seek medical attention, but died before he could drive out of his garage.
District Medical Officer Dr Shaw Ramroop viewed the body and ordered it removed to the Forensic Science Centre, St James, for a post mortem.
Police led by Insp Maharaj went in pursuit of the killer but were initially unsuccessful and returned to the Arima Police Station around 2 am.
However, around 8 am the cutlass-wielding man went to Tractor Pool Road, Wallerfield, where he chopped Randy Strong about the hands. Strong was taken to the Arima Health Facility where he was warded in stable condition last night. The attacker again escaped.
A party of officers led by Cpls Ramdahanie, Jason Jeanville and the Arima CID responded.
This time they spotted the man at Moonan Road, Wallerfield, where they challenged him, leading to his subsequent attack on the officer and his own shooting.
ACP Persad, Snr Supt Rajkumar and Insps Ali and Maharaj visited the scene. Insp Maharaj of Arima CID is continuing inquiries.