Email

Print

He's 27 year-old Constable Osbourne Martinez, and he and his colleagues came under fire while responding to a robbery in progress. There was a shootout between the police and the thieves, and Martinez was fatally injured by one of the gunmen. Our news team was on the scene shortly after the incident, and Daniel Ortiz reports:

Daniel Ortiz reporting
Police Constable Osbourne Martinez was killed in the line of duty this morning after responding to an armed robbery at Regent Street West.

Reports are that he and his fellow officers were trying to prevent these 3 men from escaping, after they held up employees of Belcove Hotel, seen here. The robbers managed to escape with stolen money, but before they could flee the scene, police had already received a tip. They responded and cornered the thieves, and that's when a shoot-out between the two sides erupted.

In this security video, you can see constable Martinez on the ground - already shot

DC Chester Williams - Commander, Operations
"Sometime around 10 a.m. this morning, police were called to the Belcove area. That is right on Regent Street West, where information was received of a robbery in progress. Upon arriving at the location, the police officers who responded were shot at by one of the suspects. The police officer received one single gunshot wound to the right rib cage area, and is currently undergoing treatment at the KHMH, and is in a critical condition. I ask that you join us all in pray for our brother. He was doing his Godly duties, trying to help people, and was injured in the process. It is a sad day for us, but we hope and pray that the good Lord will pull him through. In the same process, police also apprehended the 3 suspects, one of whom was also shot, and is at the hospital by now. That investigation is still ongoing."

Back at the scene, Police were quickly able to get control of the area, which led to the detention all 3 robbers. You can see one of them lying down on the ground, handcuffed.

Another was brought over to the Marlin Restaurant pier by police officers who had him handcuffed.

The third assailant was in this boat, and you can see, an officer was inspecting the gunshot wound he suffered to leg in the shoot-out. He ended up in the river, after being shot.

There were all held at the scene to witness police retrieving their illegal weapons and the stolen cash, which they dumped into the river.

This was important because the detainees wouldn't be able to claim that police planted all this evidence against them, when this case eventually does go to trial.

And 1 by 1, law enforcement retrieved the firearms out of the water. You can see the technician inspecting one of the weapons here.

The Coast Guard arrived later, and one of the officers went down for a dive. Minutes later, he emerged with the third gun that the thieves used.

The cops also retrieved the stolen money, which you can see here in this bulky, black plastic bag.

Later, a Scenes of Crime technician took out the dollar bills, and then proceeded to count it.

Once law enforcement were satisfied that they they had all the evidence, the 3 men, the guns, and the stolen cash were secured, and the robbers were placed in a police mobile and taken to the police station.

Good police work led to the successful interdiction of the robbery, and they are well on the way to establishing an airtight case against these perpetrators.

But, that success comes at a great price.

Sometime before midday, Constable Martinez passed away at the KHMH while doctors were attempting to save his life.

Opposition Leader John Briceno was among the first to show the respect due to Constable Martinez for his bravery.

Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition
"We're saddened by the tragic news, that Police Constable #1297, Osbourne Martinez, was shot in the line of duty, and died while undergoing surgery. On behalf of my party, I extend sincere condolences to his children, parents, and other family members. I also wish to extend condolences to the officers and members of the police department, in particular, Squad 87."

Commissioner Allen Whylie went to console the family at noon - and the Prime Minister went this afternoon.

Today, Police Minister of State Elodio Aragon Jr., joined the other public officials who lamented Martinez's killing.

In a press release, the career cop says, quote, "I…give my assurances to his family and the public at large that the perpetrators of this vile act will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I condemn this reprehensible act for what it is and urge all police officers to exercise great caution in the execution of your duties." End quote.

Today, the police department quietly mourned Martinez's passing by flying the flag at half mast.

A family friend tells us that PC Martinez came from a big family of law enforcement. His father is a cop, and so are 2 of his brothers, 2 of his uncles, and 5 of his cousins. He's also the nephew of the artists Supa G, and Adrian the Doc Martinez.