US fugitive wanted for attempted murder caught in Laventille

A fugitive wanted in the United States for attempted murder was detained by a team comprising Trinidad and Tobago and US authorities - the second successful arrest in two weeks by local and US officials. 

In a statement the US Embassy said Vincent Roberts, a US Permanent Resident fugitive wanted in the state of New York for attempted murder, was arrested in Laventille on April 17, thanks to a collaboration between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Port of Spain Division and federal agents from the US Embassy representing the United States Marshal Service (USMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). 

The US Embassy said also playing key roles and critical to the operation’s success were the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Kings County, New York, District Attorney’s Office.

Roberts will be held in custody as the extradition process is finalized for his eventual return to the United States to stand trial for his alleged crimes.

The US Embassy said US federal agents worked closely with the TTPS in coordination and planning, during an exhaustive manhunt spanning multiple months, to locate and arrest the subject.

US Ambassador Candace Bond commended the teams on their successful venture. 

“For the second time in two weeks, the extensive cooperation and close working relationship between United States and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement agencies highlights the strength and effectiveness of our bilateral partnership. 

"Nations working together to bring criminals to justice is a critical mission around the world, and others can now look to our joint efforts between the United States of America and Trinidad and Tobago as an example to emulate.  We are very proud of our shared success and are eager to continue our efforts to provide safety and security to the people of our two great countries.”

On April 9, Farzan Mohammed, a US citizen wanted in the State of Pennsylvania for numerous counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse, rape and child pornography, was arrested in Princes Town on a Provisional Arrest Warrant and was taken into custody pending the extradition process.