[UPDATED] Arima fireman abducted, relatives appeal for his release

Bruce Lezama -

A massive search is under way for 46-year-old fire officer Bruce Lezama, who is believed to have been abducted from his home in Arima over the weekend.

Lezama is based at the Ambulance Section North.

On December 29, police, friends, relatives and colleagues appealed to the public for help in locating him.

A statement from the president of the Fire Service Association Second Division, Keone Guy, said the association was gravely concerned and was informing members and the national community that the officer was currently missing "under deeply troubling circumstances."

The statement said Lezama was scheduled to report for duty on the evening of December 27 but did not arrive.

"Subsequent checks by his family led to the discovery of his residence in Arima, with the door left open. His vehicle was later found abandoned. Security camera footage from his home confirms our worst fears of an abduction by two unknown deviants," the statement said.

Police were notified, and a search was launched.

"We are, however, asking for the assistance of anyone who may have information about the officer's abduction, to please contact the nearest police station. Let's do all within our power to bring our brother home," it said.

Reports are that Lezama's car was found on December 29 along Tumpuna Road in Arima.

Anyone with information about Lezama's whereabouts is urged to call the nearest police station or 555, 999 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).

Newsday visited Lezama's home on December 29 and met a family member who said Lezama was a quiet person, who kept to himself, and served in the fire service.

"I saw him Saturday morning. Him and I end up by the shop there. On Sunday morning I'm going grocery and the gate wide open, but I know that is not in his personality to leave that gate open."

The home of missing fireman Bruce Lezama on Bypass Road, Arima. - Photo by Lincoln Holder

He said several relatives had tried to contact Lezama on his phone without success. The relative said he went into Lezama's home and found the front door open and the television on. More relatives visited and a report was made to the police who later found Lezama's car.

He said video footage had shown two men snatching Lezama while he was cleaning the yard.

He said Lezama's house had twice been been burgled, prompting Lezama to install CCTV cameras and a strong front door.

Lezama was not known to be a family man, the relative said.

The relative did not know Lezama to have any enemies nor problems such as gambling.

"Squeaky clean," he said. "Nothing. Stick to himself.

"He is coming home from work, he is in his house or checking the computer. He is not any limer or stuff like that."

One of Lezama's in-laws recalled he would cut grass nearby and talk to residents.

The woman said, "The family is really concerned . Everybody has been keeping in contact with everybody, to know what is going on and keeping information and everything.

"The family is really, really concerned about his safety. It is our main concern."

The relative said, "He doesn't mess around with people. He sticks to himself."

Newsday asked if he had anything to say to the people who had abducted Lezama.

"He has no big set of money. He is a working Joe like everybody else doing a nine-five or eight-four. So it makes no sense to hold him. So just let him go. That is all I wish for."

This story was originally published with the title "Arima fireman abudcted from home" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A massive search is under way for fire officer Bruce Lezama, 46, who was abducted from his home in Arima over the weekend.

Lezama is based at the Ambulance Section North.

On December 29, police, friends, relatives and colleagues appealed to the public for help in locating him.

A statement from the president of the Fire Service Association Second Division, Keone Guy, said the association was gravely concerned and was informing members and the national community that the officer was currently missing "under deeply troubling circumstances."

The statement said Lezama was scheduled to report for duty on the evening of December 27 but did not arrive.

"Subsequent checks by his family led to the discovery of his residence in Arima, with the door left open. His vehicle was later found abandoned. Security camera footage from his home confirms our worst fears of an abduction by two unknown deviants," the statement said.

Police were notified, and a search was launched.

"We are, however, asking for the assistance of anyone who may have information about the officer's abduction, to please contact the nearest police station. Let's do all within our power to bring our brother home," it said.

Reports are that Lezama's car was found on December 29 along Tumpuna Road in Arima.

Anyone with information about Lezama's whereabouts is urged to call the nearest police station or 555, 999 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).