A suspected extortionist has been shot and killed by police during a controlled operation in Tunapuna on Thursday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has confirmed.

According to police, the operation was carried out by officers of the Anti-Extortion Unit (AEU), with support from the Home Invasion Team (HIT), following a report from a business owner who said he had been repeatedly targeted over a three-week period.

The businessman reported that he had already paid a total of TT$1,800 (TT$6.78 = US$1) to the suspect, who made demands via telephone and collected the money in person.

The suspect had also demanded a monthly payment of TT$3,000, beginning on April 30.Officers then mounted a controlled payment operation at the business location, preparing marked cash.

While waiting for the suspect to arrive, the victim reportedly received an additional demand for $500, which was also included in the payment.

Police said that around 4:15 pm, the suspect arrived in a black Hyundai Tucson, parked along Basilon Street and entered the premises, where he collected the cash in a white envelope.

As he exited, two officers approached and identified themselves.

The suspect then reportedly produced a firearm and pointed it in the direction of one of the officers.

Fearing for their lives, both officers discharged their service weapons, striking the suspect.

The man, later identified as 26-year-old Jaden Pierre of Hibiscus Drive, Edinburgh 500, was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said a firearm and the envelope containing TT$3,500 were recovered at the scene.

Meanwhile, the vehicle in which the suspect arrived fled the area, triggering a police pursuit.

During the chase, the driver collided with several vehicles before escaping.

An all-points bulletin has since been issued for the vehicle.

In a follow-up operation, officers who had other suspects under surveillance carried out an exercise at Assaraph Road, Charlieville, where a man and a woman were arrested in connection with the investigation.

Police say investigations are ongoing.