Man killed by police while being arrested for having an iguana

A man identified only as Ricardo was killed by police on Sunday after a confrontation with police who tried to arrest him for having an iguana outside of hunting season.

Police reported that around 4:45 am, officers of the Mayaro CID were on mobile patrol when they responded to a report of an intruder on the compound of Tucker Energy Services Limited, New Lands Village, Mayaro, who was stealing copper.

Police said checks were then made on the compound for the intruder; however, he was not seen, and a quantity of electrical cables was discovered missing. The officers, Constables Meighoo, Mentor and Ragbir, said while searching the compound, they found coils of the missing cables in a bushy area close to the perimeter fencing of the compound.

The officers later saw a man who they said fit the description of the intruder shortly after leaving the compound. The man was seen behind the compound in an open area, armed with a cutlass, a black backpack on his back and a headlight on his head.

Police said Meighoo called out to the man, who ran off and was chased by Meighoo and Ragbir. The officers, who caught up with the man, again called on him to surrender and drop the cutlass. While searching him, they found an iguana in his possession during the closed hunting season. As he attempted to arrest him, Meighoo reported that he was shoved in the chest and the man grabbed his cutlass and swung it at him.

Meighoo managed to back away to avoid being chopped and was chopped on the right hand. Meighoo ordered the man to surrender, but he again attempted to chop PC Meighoo, who opened fire.

The deceased then backed away and collapsed down a steep hill. The officers tried to remove him from down the hill but were unable to do so. Attempts at providing medical assistance by the officers were also unsuccessful.

Ricardo’s body was later removed from the scene and an autopsy ordered.

All three officers were taken to the Mayaro District Health Facility, where they were treated and discharged with minor injuries.