Cops ID 2 killed in Valencia shootout

The two men killed by police in a fatal shooting in Valencia on Wednesday have been identified as Deshawn Brown, of Tumpuna Road, Arima; and Stephon Lopez (AKA Stephen Perkins), of Cocorite Road, Arima.

Meanwhile, a third man who was killed by police during an alleged confrontation at Orange Grove Road South, Tacarigua—also on Wednesday —remained unidentified yesterday.

Brown and Perkins were allegedly confronted by officers of the Anti-Extortion Unit around 4.50 pm, as they responded to information that the occupants of a car were transporting firearms along the Valencia Old Road.

It was alleged that as officers intercepted the car, the occupants opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire.

Brown and Perkins were injured and taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Sixty-three spent 9mm shell casings; five spent 12-gauge cartridges; one Taurus revolver with three live and three spent .38 shells; and one pistol with one magazine containing six live 9mm rounds of ammunition were found in the car. Also found in the car were several bank cards, an NIB card and a driver’s permit in Brown’s name.

Lopez was said to have been a suspect in the 2024 murder of prison officer Kendell Smith at Samaroo Village, Arima.

Responding to questions yesterday on the increase in gang activity in the area, a senior police official said, “I can confirm that law enforcement has been monitoring the activities of several known criminal groups operating within the broader Eastern Division, inclusive of the Sangre Grande area.”

The officer added, “These entities are dynamic in structure and often maintain informal associations with other criminal networks outside of the immediate geographic area.”

Asked if Brown and Lopez were known associates of any particular criminal gang, the official responded, “With specific regard to the two deceased individuals in the recent police-involved incident, I am advised that there are indications that they may have been associated with individuals from Carapo, who themselves have known affiliations or operational links to various criminal elements, some of whom intersect with gangs operating out of the Eastern Division.”