A brother and sister are dead and at least two others wounded following a police involved shooting at Courts Megastore, Barataria. Conflicting versions of the events are being reported where an off duty police officer is claiming that four people tried to rob him on Sunday afternoon on the compound of the store located off the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, and that he fired in self-defence.
Simeon Lessey, 33, was shot and ran a short distance and collapsed in a drain, while his sister, Sinaeya Lessey, 35, died next to a black Hilux van in which she had arrived at the location minutes before. The two are from Trou Macaque, Laventille. Another male victim was identified as Nanton Pierre, was also shot and taken to hospital for treatment. Two other men, whose identities could not be confirmed up to last night, also remained under medical care for gunshot injuries. The officer was also taken to hospital for minor injuries.
The family members shared a different version of events. They are claiming that the dead and wounded came the Courts Mega store on Sunday afternoon in order to recoup $11,000 they said was given to someone who had promised to get furniture and appliances at half price, a promise that was not kept. When they confronted the person about the money, the shooting happened, it is being alleged by the family. ASP Daniel Hernandez has been assigned to lead the investigation. Meanwhile, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) will also conduct a parallel investigation as well as the Professional Standards Bureau which also probes alleged misconduct by police officers.