WELL DONE OFFICER

Off-Duty Cop Rescues Woman from Attempted Murder by Boyfriend in Maloney Gardens

“I kept thinking that there was no way I was letting him escape and at the same time my mind kept going back to the woman bleeding on the ground.”

These were the thoughts inundating the mind of PC Stefan Samuel who rescued an 18-year-old woman and her baby who were being stabbed last Tuesday by a man known to them at Building 11, Maloney Gardens.

PC Samuel, who is attached to the Cumuto Police Station, was off-duty and in the area when the harrowing incident began to unfold around midday.

The police officer instinctively intervened, tackled the suspect and a struggle ensued. He restrained the man and subsequently seized a knife during the melee, however, the suspect later escaped from the scene.

Meanwhile, PC Samuel rendered aid to the bleeding woman and rushed her along with her father to the Arima General Hospital where she was treated and listed in critical condition. The child was not severely injured in the incident.

The suspect was held a short while later by a police patrol and residents in the vicinity of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.

“It was challenging to detain the attacker who was very aggressive, and of course, resisted all attempts to restrain him,” PC Samuel revealed.

He added, “I successfully restrained him by holding his upper body from the back as onlookers and neighbours came. He grew more agitated and continued to resist – the scene became extremely chaotic.”

He said, with the help of the community, he was able to regain control of the situation.

“I am glad that I was there at the right time and was able to assist and be a part of helping to save a life,” he expressed, “my heart goes out to the family of the victim, especially the toddler.”

“I have been in contact with her father who keeps me updated on her status. Now that I know she is stable, I am relieved.”

“You know, as police officers, our motto ‘To Protect and Serve with Pride’ extends beyond when we take off our uniform. We should always try to be our brother’s keeper,” he encouraged.

The suspect has since been charged with attempted murder.