The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has reached an advanced stage in its investigation into the controversial police-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Joshua Samaroo and left Kaia Sealy with paralysis injuries. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro confirmed that investigative files are being prepared for submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), pending only the final forensic report.
Commissioner Guevarro, speaking during a televised interview with TV6, emphasized the thoroughness of the ongoing investigation and pledged public transparency once the process reaches completion. “The investigative file is now in a state of readiness for the TTPS to return to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Roger Gaspard,” Guevarro stated. “However, we are currently awaiting the final report from the Forensic Science Centre before submitting the complete file for further direction.”
The January 20 incident, which was captured on viral video footage, shows police officers pursuing Samaroo and his wife before their vehicle crashed into a drain in St. Augustine. The subsequent shooting, which left Samaroo deceased and Sealy paralyzed, has sparked significant public outrage and intensified scrutiny regarding police use of force protocols.
Multiple investigations are currently underway, with parallel probes being conducted by the Professional Standards Bureau and the Police Complaints Authority. The Commissioner’s previous decision not to suspend the involved officers—instead providing them with counseling—had drawn criticism from both the public and the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
In related developments, police authorities are monitoring circulating information about planned protests outside various police stations seeking justice for Samaroo and Sealy. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the North West Division Garvin Henry confirmed that a promotional flier had come to police attention, listing over 15 police stations—including the Red House and Police Administration Building—as potential protest sites.
Henry noted that thorough checks with relevant authorities revealed no official applications for protest permissions. “I have reached out to stations including those in the Western Division to determine whether any application has been made,” Henry stated, adding that no such permissions had been granted for protests allegedly scheduled for upcoming months.
While acknowledging that the current state of emergency does not explicitly prohibit protest action, Henry emphasized that any demonstrations must follow proper procedures outlined in the Summary Offenses Act. The Act requires formal application, investigation, and final approval from the Commissioner of Police. Henry warned that unauthorized protests would be handled “in accordance with the law” to maintain public order and safety.