Approximately 44 people were arrested islandwide during the J’Ouvert celebrations yesterday morning. Suspects were arrested for several outstanding warrants, possession of weapons, obscene language, resisting arrest and driving under the influence, police said. Some people who were detained were not charged, senior officers said. The celebrations got off to an early start as did the criminals. Several masqueraders and spectators were robbed from as early as 4.30 am. Around 7 am, a man standing at Victoria Avenue was robbed and stabbed. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. Also, an off-duty police officer was physically assaulted after assisting a woman who had been robbed at Cipriani Boulevard. A report said around 3.15 am, the officer was in the area when he noticed a man pickpocketing some money from a woman.
The officer made an alarm and caused a ruckus and the suspect gave back the woman the $20 he took from her. Police said as soon as the victim left, an argument started and the alleged robber stabbed the officer. He was subdued and taken into police custody. The officer was taken to the hospital where he was treated and discharged. In addition, a 38-year-old Debe man was arrested by the police while he was liming at Ariapita Avenue. Police said the suspect who is from Grande Village was found smoking a cigarette of unusual length. He was searched by the police and a Walter Welby pistol with six rounds of .38 ammunition was allegedly found on him. He was subsequently arrested. A 32-year-old Cascade man was also charged with possession of firearms and ammunition and marijuana.
A report said around 4.15 am, police were on a roadblock nearby Queen’s Hall when they had cause to search the suspect. He was searched and one Glock nine mm was found with 17 rounds of ammunition. Police then conducted a search at his St Ann’s home and allegedly discovered 55 grammes of marijuana. The suspect was arrested and charged by ASP Oliviere. Meanwhile, police said three people were arrested yesterday morning for driving under the influence in the Tunapuna community. A man was also arrested on Sunday and charged with indecent exposure during the celebrations along the Eastern Main Road in Tunapuna. A report said the suspect was alleged to have been exposing himself to a crowd of people. Police said they have been attempting to curb the violence in the Arima district and held roadblocks at Maturita, La Horquetta areas. An exercise was held from 2 am yesterday and 12 weapons were seized during the exercise. In a separate incident, police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who was struck by a vehicle yesterday morning along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.
A report said around 6.07 am, Johnny Kurton was driving a Toyota Corolla east along the highway when he came into contact with the deceased who was walking from a south to northerly direction across the highway in the vicinity of Nestle. Police said the victim is of East Indian descent. Sgt Williams is continuing investigations. Various magistrates courts across the country remained opened and began as regularly scheduled. However, many of the matters were postponed until March. In Port-of-Spain, matters were put off, either for tracing or because evidence had not been submitted by the police.