CASTRIES, St Lucia — A Castries gunman opened fire on Royal Saint Lucia Police Force officers at the corner of Chaussee Road and St Louis Street on Tuesday, escaping the scene and triggering an attempted murder investigation. The suspect remained at large at the time of publication, according to senior officials within the police force.
The confrontation took place in central Castries during daylight hours, in one of the capital’s busiest commercial corridors. Witnesses described scenes of public alarm as gunfire broke out, with bystanders moving quickly to take cover.
GNFU Officers Involved in Daylight Confrontation
Senior officials within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force confirmed that the officers involved were attached to the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, known by its acronym GNFU. The unit was established to address the country’s most serious firearm and organised crime cases.
Police hierarchy acknowledged the confrontation but said the full circumstances surrounding the encounter, including what prompted it, remain the subject of an active inquiry. No information has been released on the number of officers present or whether the operation was planned or unfolded by chance.
Officers File Reports Alleging Shots Aimed at Them
Sources close to the investigation said the officers involved subsequently filed formal reports indicating that the suspect allegedly directed gunfire at them during the encounter. Those reports form the basis of the attempted murder investigation now underway.
The suspect has not been named publicly and has not been charged. No arrest has been made. Under Saint Lucian law, the allegations remain unproven pending the outcome of the police investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
No injuries to officers or members of the public have been officially confirmed. Police have not disclosed whether any rounds struck nearby property.
Manhunt Widens for Castries Gunman as Firearm Recovered
Investigators are understood to have recovered a bag linked to the fleeing suspect at the location. Sources indicated that a firearm was found inside, evidence expected to feature in the continuing attempted murder investigation.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has launched an active manhunt across Castries and adjoining districts and has called on the suspect to surrender. Officials have also appealed to members of the public with information to make contact through established police channels.
The encounter adds to a period of heightened public anxiety in Saint Lucia over gun violence and the willingness of armed suspects to confront law enforcement directly. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not yet issued a formal public statement detailing the operation, and officials indicated that further information will be released as the attempted murder investigation advances.
