Youth on Robbery Spree Caught by Police
By: Trevor Constantine
The police continue to increase their efforts in implementing effectual methods to deal with the escalating level of criminal activity within the society. Specialized Units have improved their vigilance and increased patrols, which is anticipated to contribute to the reduction of the various categories of criminality.
However, there are persons who are of the opinion that such patrols are inadequate and therefore afford the criminals the opportunity to engage in malfeasance which is highly particularly prevalent among the youth. While making specific reference to the recent homicides we have experienced, the Commissioner of Police, Ausbert Regis, made a valid point during an interview, when he stated that unless the police have predictable intelligence, it is virtually impossible to respond to a situation in anticipation of the scheduled venue of a shocking crime, for example, the execution of an individual in cold blood. It boils down to what I would describe as an attitudinal change and a moment of introspection, with particular emphasis on the respect for life and property.
This is a clear case of a hostile deprivation of the property of another by two young men who had presumably spent time deciding their modus operandi before proceeding on their robbery spree in broad daylight.
The incident occurred about 12:00pm, on Wednesday the 27th of January, 2010, near the Vigie roundabout, where two young men who had previously armed themselves with knives and scissors, accosted a fire officer who was in plain clothes and grabbed his gold chain from his neck. The officer subsequently lodged a complaint at the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.), Castries.
On the aforementioned day, about 4:00pm, the fire officer recognized his assailants near the location of American Drywall building and immediately made a call to the C.I.D. The detectives responded with promptness and upon arrival apprehended the men. One of the perpetrators reportedly attacked an officer with a knife but was quickly subdued. This individual was shot in the process of his apprehension. He was later taken to the Victoria Hospital where he was admitted but has since been discharged. The other suspect was also arrested.
A search of their person revealed several, costly “Blackberry” cellular phones, which were stolen from various persons in the Vide Boutielle area, prior to the incident involving the fire officer.
Police preferred charges against both men for the theft of the gold chain and cellular phones. They are: Sylvester Lamontagne, 22 years, originally of Soufriere but resides at La Clery, Castries and Lance Alexander, 21 years, originally of Micoud and also resides at La Clery.
Lance Alexander was taken to court on Friday the 29th of January, 2010 where he was granted bail in the sum of $1000.00 EC, cash or suitable surety or land documents. The case was adjourned to the 11th of February, 2010.
Sylvester Lamontagne, who was the alleged attacker of the officer, is scheduled to appear in court shortly.
Lance Alexander
Sylvester Lamontagne
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