A shootout between police and gunmen along the Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna, on Wednesday night, left two men dead, one injured and a suspect on the run.
One of the dead men was identified as footballer Jerry Morris, who was a member of the UTT Patriots team.
The incident, around 9.25 pm, sent people scampering to get out of the firing line.
Police sources said officers on patrol in St Joseph were alerted that gunshots had been heard coming from the PTSC Bus Terminal in Curepe. When the officers arrived on the scene, they saw four men entering a red car. They attempted to intercept the vehicle but the driver sped off.
It was alleged the suspects fired at officers and there was a high-speed chase along the Eastern Main Road until the car crashed near Tunapuna Road. There was an exchange of gunfire.
Two suspects managed to escape and two others were found suffering from gunshot wounds in the car. They were taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
A 56-year-old man from Five Rivers, Arouca, was later found suffering from a wound to the right leg. He was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment, where he remained hospitalised under police guard yesterday.
Officers reportedly recovered a revolver and a pistol with a magazine containing several rounds of ammunition in the car, along with clothing and other items.
Former national football captain Clayton Morris expressed shock at the young footballer’s death. He said the 22-year-old striker, who lived in Arima, did not turn up for practice on Wednesday night. Morris said they were not related and last interacted at Monday’s training session when he arrived late to practice.
He described the deceased as a “very talented individual” and added: “Up to Monday, I had a very long talk with them.
“Jerry was a very jovial person. He is the one that would make everybody laugh. At the same time, he looked for the easy way out to do things on the field, always try to outsmart … which is good as a striker.”
Morris (C) said this was indicative that Morris (J), “sometimes preferred to go the easy way than to put in the work in order to get.”
Jerry Morris was in his second season with the UTT club. The team was scheduled to train last night and had a game scheduled for this weekend.
“If it were up to me, I would want to go on the field and play for him, in his honour, but it will be their decision,” the coach said.
The UTT Sport and Recreation Unit (SRU) extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jerry Morris.
