Six arrested in Lopinot robbery probe and Port-of-Spain exercise

Police arrested six people in two separate operations this week, including three suspects linked to a violent robbery and indecent assault in Lopinot and three others during a joint exercise in Port-of-Spain.

Investigators said the three robbery suspects were held following inquiries into an incident that occurred along Lopinot Road, Arouca, on Monday.

According to police, at about 7:35 p.m., three victims- an 18-year-old man and two 17-year-olds – were walking south along the roadway when they were approached by three male suspects who announced a robbery.

Police reported that the victims were forced to kneel and physically assaulted before being relieved of three cellular phones, wallets containing personal documents and a total of TT$260 in cash.

During the incident, officers said one of the suspects also indecently assaulted the 17-year-old female victim before the group escaped north along Lopinot Road.

Following investigations carried out by officers of the Arouca Criminal Investigations Department, three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Police identified them as an 18-year-old man and two 17-year-olds, all from Lopinot Road, Arouca.

In a separate operation, police conducted a joint roving exercise across several areas of the Port of Spain Division and made three additional arrests.

The exercise took place on Tuesday, June 30, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026. Officers carried out checks along Independence Square North and South, Lodge Place, Wrightson Road, South Quay, Belmont Circular Road, Rookery Nook, Maraval, Tragarete Road, Arapita Avenue and French Street, Woodbrook.

Police said 28 vehicles were searched and 13 Electronic Fixed Penalty Notices were issued.

Among those arrested were a 32-year-old man for driving under the influence after allegedly recording a breath alcohol reading of 64 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, another man for driving without ever obtaining a driver’s permit and operating a vehicle without a valid Certificate of Inspection, and a Venezuelan national.

The operation was sanctioned by Senior Superintendent Thom, Superintendents Baird and Ramdeen, and ASPs Heath and Cadette.