Police have arrested six individuals in a probe into the shooting of two police officers, one of whom died, Saturday night in Bocage, Castries.
Fatally shot was Nathan Timaitre. The other officer, Isaac Calvin alias King is hospitalised nursing gunshot wounds.
According to Police Commissioner Milton Desir, those arrested are assisting law enforcement officers with their investigation.
Desir has described Saturday’s incident as “a senseless, daring and barbaric attack” on the country’s principal institution of law and order.
Desir confirmed that shooters ambushed the officers and two citizens engaged in a cash escort operation.
He added: “This act must be condemned by every right-thinking Saint Lucian …we must all stand up, we must all come together and ensure that the perpetrators of this vicious crime and the many violent crimes we have been experiencing in the last several months are brought to justice .”
Desir explained that part of the law enforcement officers’ response has resulted in “six persons being arrested” as the investigations continue. He said the wounded officer is in stable condition but had sustained severe gunshot injuries, while the other victims were robbed at gunpoint.
The commissioner reiterated that some weeks ago, he publicly warned the criminals, “to desist the violence towards our citizens, surrender their guns and turn away from their lives of crime.”
Desir observed that now that the criminals have switched their attack towards persons entrusted to maintain law and order in the country, “their intention is to inflict pain and destroy citizens’ security in Saint Lucia.”
Rehashing his warming to the bandits and alleged accomplices, Desir asserted: “I wish to make it categorically clear to everyone and anyone who participated in, encouraged or was in any other way associated with the vicious attack on our police officers and the other victim that we shall not be intimidated, we will relentlessly hunt you down, we will find you and we will use all legal avenues available to us, and we will bring you to justice.”
While reassuring the public of the law officers’ duty, the commissioner stated, “that despite losing a pillar in our quest to provide a safe environment to the citizenry, we must remain resolute in our commitment and determination to return peace and tranquility to our communities.”
He asserted: “We will not cower … and we will not relent.”
The commissioner also disclosed that in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions on Friday, he issued letters of clearance to five officers who were the subject of an investigation regarding Operation Restore Confidence (ORC).
Desir said the letters indicated that the probe had ended and there was no criminal liability attributed to the officers’ involvement in the operation.
He added: “I wish these officers all the best as they continue their law enforcement careers.”
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre Sunday offered condolences on the loss of the police officer.
“His service to his country was valued and appreciated. To the members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, please accept my sympathy. The necessary grief support will be provided to you as you mourn the loss of your colleague and friend,” Pierre said.
He called for the support of law-abiding citizens in dealing “with this scourge of crime.”
“To the criminals, this behaviour will not be tolerated in Saint Lucia. I reaffirm my commitment to providing law enforcement officials with resources that will assist in citizen security. I again call on the High Command of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to use every available measure in our quest for peace,’ Pierre said.
The prime minister said that the country is at a cross-road and “we need to choose the path of peace and prosperity to all.”
“I pledge my unflinching support to the observance of the law and justice for all,’ Prime Minister Pierre said.