A farmer, who caught a man stealing oranges from his property, accidentally shot him in the back and thigh with his licensed firearm on Saturday.

Farmer Tony Ramsubhag said he fired a shot in the air to scare the thief. But as he was lowering his arm, his finger got stuck in the trigger guard and accidentally caused the firearm to go off.

The suspect, who was running away, was struck on the back and left thigh.

Police said Ramsubhag assisted the wounded man out of the field and contacted the Emergency Medical Services.

The incident occurred at Ramsubhag's estate at Sunress Road, Charlo Village, Penal.

Ramsubhag, 52, lives at Debidial Road, Penal and is employed at the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation.

Police said Ramsubhag was attending to his crop when he heard a noise around 8.15 a.m.

Ramsubhag found a man on top of an orange tree and called out to him to come down.

Police said the man threatened to stab Ramsubhag with a knife. But Ramsubhag fired a shot in the air and the suspect began running away.

It was then the firearm accidentally went off and injured the man.

The 34-year-old suspect, of Sou Sou Lands, Penal, was taken to the Siparia Health Centre and transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Investigators said a knife and two spent shells were recovered at the scene.

Acting Sgt Victor of the Penal Police Station is continuing investigations.

And a 35-year-old graphic artist was beaten on the head with a metal rod on Friday night.

Police said Rodney Deosaran was in the carpark at Antilles Restaurant and Bar, along the San Francique Main Road, when he was involved in an altercation with another man around 11.50 p.m.

Deosaran was dealt several blows on the head.

He was taken to the Siparia Health Facility and transferred to San Fernando General Hospital.

Police were searching for the suspect last evening.

—Carolyn Kissoon