Man abducted, father robbed in Penal

2026-02-05 - 14:19

Sascha Wilson Police have launched a manhunt for 34-year-old Michael Alejandro Espana Ramnath, who was abducted and his father robbed during an incident in Penal on Tuesday night. Police said that up to Thursday morning, no ransom demand had been made. Ramnath and his 65-year-old father, of Ramjattan Trace, Penal, operate a burger cart, Best Friends Burgers, along the S.S. Erin Road. Initial reports indicate that around 10:45 p.m., they concluded sales and left for their home in separate vehicles. Ramnath was driving a grey Toyota Hilux, while his father followed in a white Nissan Almera. Around 11:00 p.m., as they reached the Agricultural Centre along Ramjattan Trace, a white vehicle, with its make, model and registration unknown, pulled in front of Ramnath’s van, blocking his path. Two men wearing black clothing and masks exited the vehicle, one of whom was armed with a firearm. They opened the driver’s door and forced Ramnath into their vehicle. The gunman then accosted the father, reportedly speaking in Spanish, and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the man handed over his wallet containing $4,000. The suspects then sped off with Ramnath. The father later went to the Penal Police Station at 11:55 p.m. Officers conveyed both vehicles to the station pending further enquiries. Ramnath was last seen wearing a black polo T-shirt with the monogram “Best Friends Burgers” printed on the left chest, black long jeans and grey slippers. He is approximately 170 cm tall, brown complexion, medium built, with a round face, pug nose, small eyes and short hair. He is of mixed Venezuelan and Trinidadian descent. Officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, South Western Division and Southern Division are continuing investigations.