A nocturnal high-speed chase along the Leeward Highway on Providenciales Saturday has resulted in the seizure of three firearms and the arrest of six men.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force did not give the names of the men but released their ages. Three of them are listed as 19-years old, two 27 and the other 25.
The police reported that at about 11:25 p.m., officers, who were parked at the Windsor Plaza parking lot hear a barrage of shots coming from a nearby location, to which they responded.
On seeing the approaching officers, the men fled, resulting in what the police described as a brief pursuit towards the downtown area, where the men were eventually apprehended and taken into custody.
Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting described the police officers as being 'brave' for pursuing the alleged criminals, knowing that the men were armed and dangerous.
“While this investigation is ongoing, I would like to commend the brave responding officers, who swiftly brought this situation to a safe resolution and were able to remove three dangerous firearms out of the community,” Botting said.
The commissioner also lauded the professionalism of his men during the incident. He said Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Officers would not relent in their efforts to take dangerous criminals off the street.
“In addition, with the professionalism displayed by the patrol officers on the scene and the supporting team from our Tactical Unit, we were able to apprehend the suspects and take them into custody. The officers of the RTCIPF will be relentless in chasing down those criminals who carry firearms and ensuring they are brought to justice,” Botting added.
The top cop also took the opportunity to dissuade those in the community who are hellbent on pursuing a life of crime.
“As well as the obvious danger to the community, I want to remind those who may choose to carry an illegal firearm that upon conviction, they can face at least seven years imprisonment”, he cautioned.
The police said that there were no injuries during the chain of incidents. However, investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward and assist in this investigation by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or call 911.