Police on the scene in Bathlodge where the chase ended. (OBSERVER media photo)
Two daylight armed robberies and a high-speed police car chase culminated in the police killing of two of three suspects yesterday.
Dead are 34-year-old Kendall Joseph of Ottos, and Chad Bloodman, who is believed to be in his early 40s.
Both men were shot multiple times about the body during a confrontation with police officers.
The third suspect, Ronald Bloodman, 28, of Tindale Road was undergoing surgery at Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) up to press time for gunshot injuries sustained to the leg and shoulder.
It is alleged that at about 10:30 am on Thursday, the trio robbed the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) Credit Union in Cassada Gardens, and made off with about $9,000 in cash.
A witness said one of the robbers entered the building through the back door. He was allegedly wearing a multi-coloured helmet and a T-shirt with the APUA logo.
Once the gunman got the money, he escaped in a white getaway car with two accomplices, including a driver.
Police sources said about five minutes later, the trio drove up to Tri Star Travel Service Ltd on Old Parham Road, and one of them got out and robbed the staff of about $100. At least one shot was fired inside the building before the robber, dressed in a APUA branded t-shirt and a helmet, ran out of the building and back into a white car.
“Police received the report of the robberies and those who were out on patrol, based on information given about the getaway car, were able to find them and follow them. There was a chase which ended in Bathlodge where the police returned fire to stop the suspects,” a police source disclosed.
Witnesses said they heard several shots and when they got to the scene, they saw police “throw” one of the men, who was bleeding, into a patrol jeep and drove off with him. It is believed that they took him to MSJMC.
Soon after, an ambulance arrived and transported the second suspect to the hospital. Those two suspects were the deceased Joseph, who was shot in the foot, leg and abdomen and Ronald Bloodman who was still being treated for his injuries last night.
A third man, Chad Bloodman, allegedly fled through the overgrown farmlands and evaded police for several hours.
When OBSERVER media got to the scene in Bathlodge, police were present with dogs from the K9 Unit, combing the area for evidence while several residents were standing by the entrance to the road, talking about the incident.