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kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

For most people, being shot is a traumatic experience that lingers. But despite lying on a hospital bed with a gunshot wound to his abdomen after confronting a bandit the day before, PC Anand Ram yesterday had no fear of returning to patrol the streets.

Ram, 27, said when citizens make the decision to become a police officer they know the dangers of the job. While thankful for life, he said it was his duty to continue to protect citizens.

“Obviously I’m in a lot of pain, but as I was telling somebody this morning, this is part of the work,” Ram told the T&T Guardian.

“People know what they’re getting into when they decide to be a police officer. All those people who want to jump up and be a police officer, you need to think about these things because your life will be at risk and half of the public will think that police shoot first. At the end of the day, police sacrifice their lives for people who they do not even know.”

According to reports, Ram and three colleagues from the Gasparillo Police Station were on patrol in Williamsville around 4.30 pm Thursday when they received a report of a robbery in Marabella. They responded and on reaching Fifth Street, Gopaul Lands, they saw 15-year-old Isaac Simmons running. The officers chased him into some bushes on Fahey Street and ordered him to stop. However, Simmons was armed and opened fire on the officers, who returned fire. Simmons was shot several times and died at the scene.

Ram was shot in the abdomen, with the bullet entering his left side, narrowly missing his colon and exiting through his back. He was surrounded by family and police guard at the San Fernando General Hospital when the T&T Guardian visited yesterday.

Ram said with his adrenaline pumping while chasing Simmons, he did not know he was shot until he touched his side and felt blood. He said he did not panic and continued searching for the other suspects, but his colleagues eventually took him to the hospital.

Ram did not need surgery, but blood samples were being analysed to ensure he does not suffer lead poisoning from the bullet. He said while was in pain, he was ready to return to duty. His only concern is whether he heals properly and quickly.

“I am not traumatised, not worried. Me returning to work depends on what my seniors decide and how much injury leave I get. I think when that time comes, we will cross that bridge. There are good people in this society, law-abiding citizens who need protection.”

ACP Harry Baldeo said yesterday he was pleased with Ram’s recovery, adding the investigation into the incident will continue over the weekend with the two suspects in custody. Noting that it was the second shooting of an officer this week, he said it highlights the daunting nature of policing.

Ram’s family, as well as his colleagues who were involved in Thursday’s incident, have been offered counselling.

“This goes to show the extent we are willing to go for the sake of the public. We are prepared to put ourselves in the line of duty for the sake of our country. Especially now, we are working to ensure that the public has a safe and Merry Christmas. We are calling on the citizens to partner with us to solve crimes,” Baldeo said.

He also urged businesses with large sums of money to transport to the bank to contact the police for security.


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