Trinidad Police Launch Investigation Into Police Killing Of Wanted Man

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, October 21, 2016 (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), today, said it had launched an investigation into the death of Adil Gilbert, 34, who was shot and killed by police officers in the southern town of San Fernando, yesterday.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Harold Philip, said he had appointed Acting Superintendent, Yusuff Gaffar, to head the investigation, after a video recorded shortly after the shooting, showed police officers carrying away the blood-soaked, limp body of Gilbert, who the authorities said was wanted on a number of outstanding crimes, including murder.

In a statement, the TTPS said that there would be a separate investigation by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) into the actions of members of the Southern Division Task Force, who were present when Gilbert was killed.

“Commissioner Phillip gives the assurance the investigation will be open and transparent and that the outcome will be made known to the public. He has described as unfortunate the death of Mr. Gilbert and has expressed condolences to the family over their loss,” the statement continued.

A police report on the incident had earlier stated that Gilbert was killed, following a confrontation with a police constable. Police said a gun was found in Gilbert’s possession, but residents argued that Gilbert was not carrying a weapon.