Caption: Tara Poliah
Summary
- Safe Recovery: Tara Poliah, an elderly woman kidnapped from her San Juan home on Wednesday evening, has been safely rescued.
- Midnight Operation: She was freed just after midnight during a major joint operation by the police and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard off the north coast.
- Suspects Arrested: Several Venezuelan nationals have been arrested in connection with the abduction, which was caught on security cameras.
- TTDF Role: The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) stated that it was instrumental in the recovery of Poliah
By Prior Beharry
KIDNAP victim Tara Poliah has been rescued following a major joint operation just after midnight on Thursday.
Poliah was abducted from her home on Don Miguel Road, San Juan, on Wednesday evening. Reports indicate she was recovered off the north coast of Trinidad during a coordinated effort between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Coast Guard.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin confirmed the successful recovery on Thursday. Speaking to AZP News, Martin stated, “The victim has been located. Further details will be provided at the appropriate time.”
Sources report that several Venezuelan nationals have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The brazen abduction was captured on security video. The footage shows Poliah going downstairs at her residence to speak with a man she referred to as “Ray.” In the recording, Poliah can be heard asking the man if he was moving out and inquiring about unpaid rent.
While she was speaking to him, two men of Hispanic descent suddenly emerged from a nearby room and grabbed her. As the assailants dragged the elderly woman away, “Ray” reportedly went back into the room, emerging shortly after with a fourth man carrying a bag.
Poliah was then forced into a waiting white station wagon, which quickly sped away from the scene.
According to the Hunters Search and Rescue Team, four male suspects were involved in the abduction. The suspects reportedly fled in a white Nissan AD Wagon bearing the license plate PEA 3392.
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) stated that it was instrumental in the recovery of Poliah.
In a release on Thursday, it stated, “The TTDF played an instrumental role in the successful rescue of kidnapping victim Tara Poliah during a coordinated maritime operation involving the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) and the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR).
“The operation highlights the rapid response capability, operational readiness, and interunit coordination of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, demonstrating its continued commitment to protecting the nation’s citizens and maintaining safety and security within Trinidad and Tobago’s maritime domain.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force remains resolute in its mission to support national security efforts and will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to deter criminal activity and safeguard the nation.
“Further investigations are being conducted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
