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Foiled bandit on cops' wanted list
...heroine pleased


The man disarmed and disabled by the woman he intended to rob, has turned out to be a dangerous criminal suspect wanted by police in connection with murder, kidnapping and robberies.

The suspect was charged last night with possession of arms and ammunition and with attempted robbery in connection with his bungled attempt to steal from mother of two, Dianne Baptiste.

Baptiste’s courageous fight-back to protect herself and her teenage daughters from the man who turned up at her Williamsville home, has triggered a groundswell of support.

It was on Monday morning that Baptiste saw the man in her front yard and ran out to ask him his business there. The man said he came to rob and reached for a sawed-off shotgun tucked in his pants waist.

Baptiste grabbed him by the collar, knocked him to the ground, smashed him on the head with her flowerpots and took away the gun, all while keeping him face down in an arm lock. When he wriggled free, she chased after him despite injuring her finger and toe.

The suspect yelled for help from an accomplice who never came.

Police led by Sgt Don Gajadhar arrested the bleeding suspect within the hour.

By that time, he had already changed his clothing and was hustling along a rural road he did not know.

Express readers yesterday celebrated Baptiste’s actions for winning one against the criminal in a time of widespread lawlessness.

But Baptiste said she was also chided by some for putting herself at risk.

To this, she said yesterday, ’I would do it all over again.’

Baptiste, 41, who is self employed and the mother of two teenage girls, intends on testifying against her attacker.

The 21-year-old suspect was handed over last night to Couva police detectives investigating a spate of robberies. Detectives in Curepe and Mayaro also want to speak with the man, who gave addresses at Five Rivers, Arouca and Pedro Trace, Valencia.


 Comments: Fouled bandit on cops' wanted list
T & T need this women on the Police Force Posted: 2009-08-19 8:19:00 PM
Woman like you Trinidad Police Force need.....COP office this woman a job, accomplish this on her own with only a few bruises....I know some male officers can do what she did......
Post The Suspect Picture to the public not the Victem Posted: 2009-08-19 11:49:00 PM
I hope the police do all that they can to protect this woman from any retaliation from the suspect accomplice. I don't think she should of posted her picture to the public though, or allow anyone to do so for her safety. Instead, the media should of posted the man's image to the public.
Fouled BANDIT Posted: 2009-08-20 00:54:00 AM
Yes!!now lets us see how much bond will be set for this dangerous criminal??,if they let this man out after this he may return to kill her. We are fed up with these criminals who changed Trini way of life,they fear no one. TRINI's USA.
Criminal Posted: 2009-08-20 01:01:00 AM
So this 21 year old is simply going around the country robbing and killing people? I'm sorry to say this but they need to build more prisons in T&T. Prisons are big business all over the world.
Suspect. Put his photo on the front page Posted: 2009-08-19 9:19:00 PM
Why is it taking so long to put his photo on the front page?. Let the whole country have a look at this bumbling idiot. You might be surprised who else might recognize him. Mrs Baptiste I am so tired of residing stories about these animals distressing good people. Your actions have given a lot of people, especially single mothers hope. You will forever be my hero regardless the outcome. I will not advise anyone to do what you did but you would have gotten a Bronze star medal for valor and a Purple Heart for your injury if you were a member of my organization. I think the nation as a hold should give you some kind of recognition because it will send a signal of hope and in a sense acknowledgement for the courageous deed you performed. I send you a big hug all the way from Germany. Your dog deserves a big bowl of whatever he likes to eat. Please be vigil and god bless. You are my hero!! Lloyd C. Johnson US Army Retired, Germany
Real crime fighter. Posted: 2009-08-20 01:52:00 AM
While I would advise against such action, this is what real crime fighting is about, fearless confrontation of the criminal element. This lady puts our police to shame because if one of these trained men who are supposed to protect and serve were confronted, they would instead hide.
Fouled bandit on cops' wanted list Posted: 2009-08-20 03:15:00 AM
Ten thumbs to her. She did what the Police should have done a long time ago. She has the qualifications in my opinion to become one of T&T best Police Officer. Hire her, with no questions asked.
How much is his bail? Posted: 2009-08-20 03:29:00 AM
I wonder how much is his bail and who will sponsor the bail money?
Fouled Bandit On Wanted List Posted: 2009-08-20 03:01:00 AM
Where is his picture? We want to see his face.Thanks for all the info given so far. We hope this Heroine and her family is given protection by the Powers that be and please give no more information about her and her family.We only need to hear what's going on with the bandit. Concerned Friend
Reward Posted: 2009-08-20 03:22:00 AM
The criminal world is as much a family as Mrs. Baptiste and her loved ones. We (Watching) implore the prosecutorial team to protect this heroin at all costs. And further, we unanimously recommend Mrs. Baptiste for a National award deserving of her courageous stand. 'Watcher 37' speaking for all.
Fouled bandit - cops' wanted list Posted: 2009-08-19 11:46:00 PM
We have the blimp, the Radar, the Coast Guard, Protective Services, etc. and we could not grap this fool on our most wanted list. But a woman who would not settle for allowing a criminal to have the upper hand on her beat the crap out of him, and scared his friend away, and gave the police all the assistance they needed to take him in. Like we say, if you want a job done well, get a woman to do it and this one sure proved that she had what it takes, and was not settling for any foolishmess. Looks good on her and her gender.
Fouled bandit on wanted list. Posted: 2009-08-20 05:12:00 AM
There should be no bail for this man and any other of such character. Change the law, make it two strikes on charges of burglary, armed robbery, rape incest or any crime against humanity, that they be denied bail and be housed in a specially erected facility away from petty offenders,where the order of the day shall be one consisted of an early morning hose down in cold water and be treated as they deserve. lets hope he don't get bail
Fouled bandits on cops wanted list Posted: 2009-08-20 05:31:00 AM
Congratulations Mrs Baptiste for standing up and defending yourself and your daughters from this dangerous criminal for who knows what would have happened if you did not?These people are real cowards and feel they are bad when they have a gun.Thank God that you had the courage and strenght to stand up to him.I hope that the police will provide you and your family with protection as you plan to testify against him.He will proberly get bail foom a judge in chambers and he and his henchmen will try to get at you so you will not be able to testify against him.The villiagers should also be behind you and be cautious about strangers entering your area.The government should give you a Medal and a reward for capturing a most wanted criminal.God bless and protect you always.Nuff said Trini in England.
Mango police Posted: 2009-08-20 06:15:00 AM
What kind of police we have, they can't catch even a fowl thief far more a dangerous crook? It took ah little woman to buss he head with ah flowerpot before they could lay dey hands on him. Years ago we derisively called scouts, mango scouts. I wonder if they grew up to be mango police.
Too Soon To Celebrate Posted: 2009-08-20 05:25:00 AM
People lets not celebrate yet. Remember we in Trinidad ..... case not closed yet. It aint even start. Lets see how long it will take befor he apply for bail....get it and disappear. Remember there was an accomplice
couragous lady Posted: 2009-08-20 05:25:00 AM
I admire your courage and hats off to you . We the honest hard working people of our nation has to stand up for our rights. There is so much the police can do. I am delighted to know that the police has responded quickly and apprehend the suspect, this is what we have to do to take our country. your bravery has given me renewed hope that one day if all of us work together we will regain control of our beautiful...God Bless..
Fouled Bandit Posted: 2009-08-20 05:33:00 AM
Trinidad is now looking for a new CoP well we have one right there she seem to be doing a better job than the entire force together, Make her commissioner
Bandit on Wanted list. Posted: 2009-08-20 05:37:00 AM
Another example of how criminals have more rights then decent hard working, law abiding citizens. This man was wanted by the Police, yet he was free to continue his life of crime. I cannot understand why the Photographs of the known criminals are not posted in the news papers, Police Stations,& Hospitals, so people can see their faces and alert the Police if they are seen.. ?Why are they protected to such an extent? Why are they given bail so they can go back to " Finish the Job? and then some more ? They put the photographs of victims on the news papers, but not the criminals, even when the are caught in the act. No wonder the criminals feel " Free to attack the Police. I don't hear the charge of not having a firearm license added to charges of the criminals. What kind of Law allows this. Like they say. Only in Trinidad & Tobago. More flower Pots. Please. Trini in VA B C.
God Bless and Protect Mrs. Baptiste and her family and the good citizens of Trinidad and Tobago Posted: 2009-08-20 06:55:00 AM
Hey let's face facts here. Won't be surprised to hear, evidence disappear. Witness forgets, disappears or is found dead. Suspect has also disappeared. Don't even have a proper WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAMME on (sure there are bad cops/criminals collaboration going on there some where) God Bless and Protect Mrs. Baptiste and her family and the good citizens of Trinidad and Tobago
hero mum Posted: 2009-08-20 06:59:00 AM
Hhy the man is not charged with attempt murder??? When you walk with a gun to do a robbery, you will use it if you have too!!! The law in this country is too soft and it protect's only the gangsters, not the victems.
Hurray, Hurrah. Posted: 2009-08-20 04:46:00 AM
Hurray, Hurrah. I can't imagine who would be chiding her for he courageous act. They should be happy that she defended herself and her family. This bandit/murderer meant business and may have killed her and her children had she not acted. I pray that God will further protect her and her loved ones so that she can testify against this terrible man/creature and put him where he belongs: IN JAIL.
FOULED BANDIT Posted: 2009-08-20 03:38:00 AM
This man is violent Criminal, Judge please don't give this man bail.Let Ms. Baptise feel safe and without fear from this man who said he will be back. Let him know he will not be back in the public to harm her or others. Ms. Baptise God will protect you and your family at all times. When he is found guilty give him life without parole. Trini-N>J. USA.
Bandit Posted: 2009-08-20 08:56:00 AM
What the police could not do!!!!!!!!!!!
Bandit Posted: 2009-08-20 05:53:00 AM
Dangerous criminal? If a 41 year old unarmed woman can fight off ths sorry excuse for a person, then what about the police? To me it seems as though the police are in bed with these criminals and may be getting a piece of the action. The TnT government need to come up with better training and educations requirements for the individuals that they hiring as police officers. Psychological testing and intensive background check should be put into place, if not the country is going to get even worse off than it already is.
STILL MYSTIFIED Posted: 2009-08-20 08:39:00 AM
This person is a suspected criminal on police wanted list but no pictures of this person ever was provided to the pubiic. Even in this situation where the criminal is apprehended, there is no picture of the culprit. Pictures of criminals distributed to the public is in itself a deterrent against criminal activity. In T&T, only the pictures of victims are routinely provided. Until such time as pictures of suspected,apprehended,and convicted criminals are routinely provided in the media, I will remain convinced that there is no real desire in the country to combat crime. TRINI IN CANADA
Foiled bandit on cops wanted list Posted: 2009-08-20 08:39:00 AM
325 murders and counting.I am sure NERO was fiddling,but one lowly peasant said enough is enough.She only had a bucket.NERO,the last time Ilooked,YOU had the POWER hoses. dmato in toronto
Undeniable bravery... Posted: 2009-08-20 09:22:00 AM
There are those who would chide her actions, and those who would support it, but what is undeniable is this woman's bravery. If everyone were to stand up to crime (doesn't have to be in this manner) then we can slowly turn things around, and reclaim our home.
Encouraging Posted: 2009-08-20 05:52:00 AM
This Woman has demonstrated what all Citizens in this country should do. Stand up to these criminals!!
BANDIT ON 'WANTED LIST' Posted: 2009-08-20 06:02:00 AM
God, I hope this idiot does not get bail. Mrs. Baptise has gotta be so, so careful. KS
good one lady Posted: 2009-08-20 10:03:00 AM
i wish every Trini can stand up like this brave Citizen. Now i hope the law do theit part by not giveng this low life bail.nj
courageous fight-back Posted: 2009-08-20 10:15:00 AM
Get rid of that incompetent Police Commissioner and put her in his place.
Unbelievable Posted: 2009-08-20 10:25:00 AM
This just goes to prove that our inept Police Leaders are doing nothing to arrest the widespread lawlessness in Trinidad and Tobago. Imagine that this Idiot was on a wanted list for how long??? Here is the best part an unarmed womanhas disarmen and captured the Idiot in a matter of minutes ...My new Hero and I am very happy that you were not severely hurt....Then it takes the esteemed police another hour to find the bumbling idiot again. Does the phrase the Blind leading the Blind ring a bell. Cheers to you Dianne you have won one for the Trinidad law abiding public.
Fouled bandit on police wanted list Posted: 2009-08-20 10:33:00 AM
Please hire this worman on the police force, this is what we need.
fouled bandit Posted: 2009-08-20 10:40:00 AM
she should have killed him
CAPTURED WANTED PERSON Posted: 2009-08-20 12:44:00 AM
The fact that this criminal was wanted for serious crimes,while committing another,he is a menace to our society.Mrs.D.Baptiste should have done the job for the courts and the "hangman".However,as she was humane and showed restraint,by not taking his life,she should be given some monetary award and a medal(gold).The arrested officers should also be recognised for their "Excellent Police Duty" in the performance of their job.What say ye MR.CoP? I am ready to give Mrs."D" my Combat Cross from N.Y.P.D. if you are not prepared to honour her at Police HQ.Aubert Modeste
My Shero! Posted: 2009-08-20 12:29:00 AM
Well done!
Bandit on cop's wanted list Posted: 2009-08-20 12:38:00 AM
I really hope that the head of Police rewards this woman with some Heroism Award for a great job.
GOOD JOB Posted: 2009-08-20 12:49:00 AM
well done lady you made the people of trinidad proud i can loan you more of my flowers pots all over again..lol
God bless this lady Posted: 2009-08-20 08:52:00 AM
if there is a cop reading this, please hire this woman she did a wonderful job!!
Bandit was wanted by Police. Posted: 2009-08-20 1:51:00 PM
The bandit was wanted by the Police for heinous crimes, and he was out doing business as usual ? Are there Laws in Trinidad the forbids posting the Photographs of wanted & Known criminals all over the Country. If there is a law, & since law breaking is the order of the day in T & T. go ahead,& Post the Photos from Mayaro to Toco, to Talparo. You will get Bail. That is done all over the world, why not Trinidad ? Very few criminals in first world countries go boldfaced without a mask or something to hide their faces. In Trinidad they go barefaced, Boldfaced in broad Daylight, and even when they are caught or shot doing the evil Deed, their faces are still not shown, so people can tell if he committed other crimes. Please, Post their pictures.on the papers & On T V,that will help. If there is a reason or law for not doing this service to the Citizens of Trinidad & Tobago. I am sure most of us in T & T would like to know about this law. And now for the Photographs. Please & Thank You. dead or alive we want to see Photographs. Just Observing on T O.
PROTECTION Posted: 2009-08-20 3:17:00 PM
I hope the police will do all they can in their powers to protect this woman because I know the bandit and his gang will come back at here when release from prison.

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