Ambush Alert – Drivers Beware

letter to the editorI’m writing this to alert others of a potential ambush set-up that happened to me and others this week.

At approx. 3:30pm on Wednesday I was driving to pick up my children from a friends’ house. I had a full vehicle as I was giving my neighbours a ride. On the road leading from Wotten Waven to Trafalgar, before the low bridge, there was a huge branch that stretched right across the road. There have been a few landslides and road clearing activities recently so it is somewhat normal to encounter debris in the road. The only thing not ‘normal’ about it was that the large branch was balanced on a rock at one end. There was no way to pass so I had to get out of the vehicle and move it. When I got back to the jeep my friend in the passenger seat told me a man had appeared from the bushes, looked at her then ran off.

Later that day some friends using the same route reported that the same incident occurred for them and luckily again they were in a vehicle filled with passengers. The man who got out of the vehicle to remove the branch, suspected a scam and he held his cutlass as a precaution. This group also observed a man in the bushes who ran when he saw that the person was not alone.

We now assume that this obstacle in the road is a set-up and if I or the other driver had been alone we would have been attacked by this person in the bushes. Please beware if you see this happening on a road you are driving on. Lock your doors immediately and reverse your vehicle, wait for company before getting out.

This incident has been reported to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Dominica Police Force and this article only serves as a common-sense warning in case anyone encounters this set-up before the perpetrator is apprehended.

Concerned.

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53 Comments

  1. Di
    September 2, 2013

    Thank you for the warning! Greatly appreciated!

  2. Don kno
    September 2, 2013

    Estate producing them now….stick up artist dem man ting now

  3. hmm a a
    September 1, 2013

    dominica turn like Africa man? God alone can save us now. Cause in these streets really getting hot mehson. I tellin u.

  4. Distured
    September 1, 2013

    Brigands… interesting. I’m gonna have me some fun ^_^.

    This is a disgusting life… but hey, we have to make the most of it, i suppose. >.<

  5. Jenny James
    September 1, 2013

    This is such a sad news to read….I hope whoever is behind this be caught and brought to a hard justice!!!…
    On my resent visit,I has such a wonderful time at the Scews…But not only that,we were able to take along my sick mother for a bath in the spa…It did her wonders…She was up and about the next day with a energy…
    To read that danger lurk in the bends of this road is a shame for the person who wishes to destroy a good deeds…
    DA is too small to have these kind of crimes on her shores…A land and the people’s working hard to develop and make it comforter for tourists and locales alike…..It hurts and pains at the heart!…I hope the thief is caught real soon…
    To the author of the story and DNO,thanks for making us and the Dominicans peoples aware of this sad situation….I wish every one safety when driving in that areas and be on guard…It may not be the only place targeted!!!! ..God bless!

    • Distured
      September 1, 2013

      Soon we will have vigiliantes… police not doing their job, is what i would like to say but you can’t blame them. Stopping this kind of case would require actions most impossible.

      People generally dont trust the police, so there is your 1st blockade ( i know i don’t)\

      Police response time sucks (so say there were drugs involved O_O)

      This kind of case would require something like CID or so, to buss up in the bushes after the culprits.

      If this is not done, a revenge cycle will start and people will be out for blood…

      Think about it… Avoid the violence.

  6. concerned too
    August 31, 2013

    I was walking home from a practice this week, from Goodwill to bath Estate at about 9:00pm.A vehicle drove pass me, stopped and moved on again. To my surprise the vehicle came to a halt and two men emerged from the vehicle with masks on their faces, a gun and a piece of wood. My gold chain was stolen from me an one of the guys also hit me with his gun on the back of my head. I was real scared and thought that I would have been shot dead. That happened early on the bath estate road.
    They are not only hiding in the bushes, they are driving too. They drive pass you, look at you, drive on and them make an abrupt stop and attach you if you are alone. Take hid. Please take hid. This is getting dangerous now.

  7. Justice and Truth
    August 31, 2013

    This is shocking to read. Such a type of crime could only occur in a progressive or a bigger country than Dominica. This is where all those wicked tricks and evil actions originated from which criminals utilize on their fellow Dominican victims. It could be devised by someone who is aware of this type of crime committed, be it also through viewing television and reading about similar occurrences in the newspaper or the Internet.
    Police authorities, some Dominicans were deported from other countries. There may be someone or a few of them residing in the area or neighboring one where this purported ambush occurred.
    When they are deported to Dominica, is a list of their names and addresses compiled and placed in a registry for future reference?
    As deportees, the police should conduct investigations at intervals pertaining to their activities, to try to assist them in assimilating in the Dominican society such as also seeking employment or possible skilled training.
    Names of parents and other family members with telephone numbers should also be recorded.
    When they arrive at the port of disembarkation, in Dominica, do relatives or friends receive them? If so, here is an opportunity for the police authorities to obtain the necessary information from them. This should be important to assist the police to trace them, if necessary.
    Should crimes be committed in the area where they reside and the perpetrator is not caught, a follow-up with them and questioning pertaining to their whereabouts at the time of the crime should be conducted.
    In effect, the police authorities should do all in their power to try to catch this man and place him behind the prison bars. If caught, he should not be granted bail for he is a menace to society.
    You know how to conduct your formal and private investigation. However, it would be appropriate that a police investigator or two, for safety purposes and as another witness, be sent out to that area to question the residents. You never know, they may provide you with helpful information which may catch this perpetrator who does not deserve to walk the roads/streets of Dominica.
    I care! Helping Dominica and fellow Dominicans even from afar! :)
    God bless Dominica, all resident Dominicans, no exception visitors/tourists to our beautiful and friendly island which it still is and especially those who drive on those lonely roads that no harm come to them. Drive safely! Keep safe!
    I pray, may God protect every one of you and passengers, in Jesus Name, through His Most Precious Blood. Amen!

  8. Justice and Truth
    August 31, 2013

    Occurrences such as this were unheard of in (those) previous years. Certain too, that no criminal considered doing such a thing then. In bygone years Dominica had only petty criminals. Drivers were ever trustworthy, even giving drives to those who ask or those who were walking to their destination.
    The fact that the man would plan this and go through this length to obstruct vehicles with the intention if there was one person, he would have harmed the driver and steal his possessions as money, the police should try to catch him as soon as possible before a few drivers are harmed. He is also placing fear in them.
    What has happened to the minds of such a person that he would resort to this and at whatever cost would harm his fellow Dominicans to steal money from them? This is a person who also possesses a sick mind and is desperate for money.
    He is also a fool. What if the driver was an undercover police? I would hope that he would be caught.
    There is no doubt that police patrol is required throughout Dominica. In view of this type of crime which I am certain will not cease, a few more police stations should be built to service certain other areas of Dominica especially where the majority of crimes and/or purported ones take place as in this case.

  9. x e cute them
    August 31, 2013

    jus form a group well armed and take that nuisance out

  10. Corrupt_Bastards
    August 31, 2013

    Lennox Linton u have alot on your shoulders, not only u must bring the corrupt ones to justice but u have to turn around an economy that is damaged for 15 years, a rise in crime is a sign of bad leadership. Good Luck

  11. foriegn
    August 30, 2013

    Is not Dominica alone that is happening too. It is happening all over the world.Not too long it had a situation similar in Tortola where some one stood in the middle of the road whee hours in the morning and when the driver came out to to see if some thing was wrong,here goes some one out of the bushes and they robbed the driver of his jewelry and money.So my point is if you see any strange activities don’t stop.But i tell myself already any time am on the road at night and i see somebody standing in the middle of the road thinking am going to stop is only then i mashing gas.

  12. Cara
    August 30, 2013

    God help us!

  13. hope
    August 30, 2013

    :-D That you would take the time to write and alert others is commendable. Dominica needs more persons with your mindset and attitude.

    Thank you so much … it is persons like you that make me so proud to be Dominican.

  14. mE tOO
    August 30, 2013

    Your editor

    I’m sitting there reading this letter wondering getting the shiver. is this letter referring to the road that is currently being worked on?

    on that very Wednesday evening myself and partner were heading up to screw when we encountered a “Road Close” sign at what we thought was a rather strange place to have that sigh, it appeared that the sign was in the middle of nowhere. it immediately seem suspicious. we proceed and did encountered a very large uprooted tree hanging over the road’ its roots was secured on a large rock and the top of the tree was hook on a tree. that again was strange, the option then was to turn but trust me i was too afraid. and the tree high enough that we could pass and so we did. my lord have mercy on us!!!

  15. Bogoroy
    August 30, 2013

    Thanks!

  16. konybud
    August 30, 2013

    ambush,i don’t think is anybody from the valley doing that ,who ever tink is someone from the valley they are fooling themself trafulgar boys don’t do does kind of ting there ambush no way not d valley boys they come from roseau or some where i don’t know,alot of ppl pass there to go to the fulls when there is ship in town d paros and them know that so they go up there and wait for them so they can get some ez money on work paros need there drugs 75% of the ppl from the ships goes to the valley,and what do politice have to do with that u tink your so call pm lindon can stop that naver tink again none of them can, the police is not going to be in the bush everyday,do matter wat the valley is still the best plaes to be in da,everytime there is a ship u can see them walking up d road they never take the buses why look and u will see them and know them,

    • Dion
      August 30, 2013

      Stop putting your hand in fire for people. the person never said that it was a trafalgar person. You know what? It may well be.

    • Krazy
      August 31, 2013

      konybud you are in real denial

  17. Big Money
    August 30, 2013

    It’s time to set up a vigilante group in the area. The police cannot do it alone. It is also time to bring back the cat-o-nine! That boowoe needs to be caught and beaten!

  18. DA/US Citizen
    August 30, 2013

    I am not casting blame on anyone. I do not know who is doing this. However, I would like to warn Dominicans of deportees who are skilled criminals. These people are waaaaaay more knowledgable and skilled in the tricks of the trade than the DA police right now. Also, do not overlook the foreigners either. I know of Chinese, Spanish and Haitians who have been deported. I know of one Haitian guy in jail right now who is planning to go to DA to join his brother after he is deported to Haiti. That guy was a big drug man in the US and outsmarted US police many times. He is friendly, outgoing, well spoken and a sharp dresser and you would never know his dark side if he didn’t tell you. Be ware of Dominicans who move back home (especially young guys who are the majority of deportees) because they miss their country etc etc. It can be true, but do your own investigation. You have a right to know who your neighbors are.

    • "O" STRESS"
      August 31, 2013

      Agree to disagree! how does one measure the effectiveness or none effectiveness of the police to make this broad statement? I applaud your point, but do not agree {As A former Detective/ and trained officer.} that the agents of crimes are wining. Police work is complicated and it takes one who knows to appreciate that. A true dedicated police officer knows that, .{Ninety nine days for the bad guys, but one day for the Law. Trust me the police always have the last laugh. Lets think outside the box.

  19. Frank Talker
    August 30, 2013

    I had a similar incident several years ago after dropping off a co-worker at Fond St. Jean. I was making my way out of the village when I came across a stone barrier across the road. I immediately suspected an ambush simply because that barrier was not there when I drove into the village five minutes before. There was one co-worker still in the vehicle who I had to drop off at Petite Savanne. Not suspecting anything, she opened the door and was getting off the vehicle to clear the barrier when I pulled her back into the vehicle and explained my suspicion to her. She got the message! I engaged my 4×4 and drove over and through the barrier. Drivers, please be conscious of your environment especially when you are in isolated areas.

  20. Peacock
    August 30, 2013

    And how is that the POLICE has not issued a Alert over the news!!!! Why are they taking so long???? Come on man??? Do we have to wait for lives to be lost?

    • anonymous2
      August 31, 2013

      The police are not usually around if you need them. You can’t count on them.

  21. DJJ
    August 30, 2013

    This person doing this may be from another community of Dominica. Even though prophesy is being fulfilled and the times are near. The Policy makers (DLP)and the Police Commissioner need to work together and bring about solutions to stop criminal activity ( Not speaking of Drugs which is global)but incentives to be given to police officers to patrol in and around the villages, the town of Portsmouth and the City of Roseau before it is too late. Is Dominica still do as zewo?

    • Justice and Truth
      August 31, 2013

      This person has the mind of the evil one and is under his yoke.
      Police patrol is necessary. This may reduce crimes. Consider the cost. Additional police officers would be required. If this is what it takes to reduce crimes, then the authorities should consider it without much ado.

  22. aa
    August 30, 2013

    borjai oh…so we come there na? :(

  23. Jbfox
    August 30, 2013

    Fine work whoever u are law enforcement depends on we all in order to make their jod easier,good looking out.

  24. Pussinka
    August 30, 2013

    8-O And people want to go & take their last bath in Screws & this is what is waiting for them, we will have to go elsewhere. Safety comes first!

  25. ZULU
    August 30, 2013

    An emergency 911 like number is needed so we can have rapid response from police and ambulance

    • sub stations
      August 30, 2013

      While I’m sure that would be nice but how often have the police been called and respond in a timely fashion. They are either without transportation or just don’t see it as priority. What we really need is smaller stations in these areas that way citizens don’t have to wait for someone from Roseau to come up. Sort of Like a Sheriff and deputy in the wild west.

    • The Man from The U.S
      August 30, 2013

      This is not American… 911 is am American service provide by The American government to protect its people.

      • The Man from The U.S
        August 30, 2013

        This is not American… 911 is an American service provide by The American government to protect its people.

        Typo corrected…

      • Cyrique
        August 30, 2013

        I’m sure Zulu meant an emergency number. It could be 111 they used 911 as a reference. Zulu said a number like 911!!! Read before making comments please. I agree with Zulu!

      • missmostDominican
        August 30, 2013

        this is not true, i am a Dominican living in a neighboring island and 911 works just fine here…..so since we are practically serviced by digicel and lime i’d like to think it works in D/a too.

      • Justice and Truth
        August 30, 2013

        Canada also has 911. I do think it is time that Dominica has one.
        Every system costs money. 911 emergency service access is not free. Whether we use it or not, we pay a nominal fee of a few cents which is charged to our telephone (technology) bill. Everyone pays for it.
        If it were implemented in D/ca I am certain that Dominicans would not mind paying a few cents, even $1.00 for this important service. I expect the government would subsidize the balance of the cost.

    • Hey
      August 30, 2013

      @ZULU; the emergency number has been in existence for years in Dominica. In case you are unaware it is: 999

    • Ms. Kubuli
      August 30, 2013

      911 is INTERNATIONAL. It works here too…(just as poorly as the 999 number :-? )

  26. A
    August 30, 2013

    This is serious. The police need to do some vehicle patrols along that road.

    • z
      August 30, 2013

      The police needs to set up a trap for that person

  27. Concerned
    August 30, 2013

    My God what is Dominica coming to. When these things begin to happen; we are in trouble. Look like its desperate times. This person needs to be apprehended asap before something worse happens. These people are making it difficult for Dominica. This is broad day, it could be a woman on her vehicle alone. So now we need to have weapons in our vehicle to deal with such situations. Please people when something like that happens and you are alone lock your vehicle and remain there until others arrive or call the police for help. Father help us in Dominica, crime is taking over our country. I plead the blood of Jesus over our nation.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 30, 2013

      Godless, idle and wicked people who would think of doing something like that.

  28. unknown
    August 30, 2013

    Special thanks to this person who submitted the letter.

  29. ROSEAU VALLEY
    August 30, 2013

    This not the type of news we need from the Valley. Apprehend whoever is responsible and deal with them according to law.

    Our Parl usually says “Take it easy ” but we want the police to act swiftly in dealing with this menace. Already the DLP is trying to destroy our natural beauty in the Valley, we cannot allow such incidents to further taint us.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • %
      August 30, 2013

      @ Roseau Valley They are not trying to destroy it brother, THEY HAVE ALREADY DESTROYED IT. It will take PM Linton and his team of good men/women courage character decisiveness etc etc and will obviously be an enormous task to turn things over. HOPE THE POLICE ACT ON THIS ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

      • evryfing is politics
        August 30, 2013

        @the persons who answered Roseau Valley…everything is politics? What the heck this situation have to do with your fantasy about your PM Linton!!?….stop your foolishness and leave and intelligent remark that can benefit someone reading it…

      • Dion
        August 30, 2013

        Check the incomplete bridge by the river. UWP Record. We will never forget.

      • prisca
        August 30, 2013

        HA HA HA HA HA HA! Keep on dreaming.

      • WE VOTING UWP
        September 1, 2013

        UWP started this bridge. Yes, it remains incomplete but it is no fault of the UWP. After 13 years, the DLP has not recognized the need to complete the project. So much for vision.

    • Dion
      August 30, 2013

      I am almost certain you are one of those many person who complain about the high cost of your Domlec bill.

  30. ....................
    August 30, 2013

    WOW. DESPERATION TIME! Be on the alert everyone traversing this area.

  31. girl
    August 30, 2013

    Praise god you and your family were safe, people please be careful

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