Relatives of a man shot and killed by police during a State of Emergency operation in Sangre Grande on Wednesday are disputing the official account of the incident and insisting he was unarmed when he was killed.

The deceased has been identified as David Boodoo, also known as “Sours,” of Vega De Oropouche. Police said Boodoo, who was on bail for murder, was shot during an operation around 12.45 p.m. when officers from a specialised unit went to his home to search for arms and ammunition under the emergency powers that came into effect on Tuesday.

According to police, the officers came under gunfire during the exercise and returned fire, striking Boodoo multiple times.