PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad — Police rescued a Caribbean Airlines pilot who had been reported missing earlier in the week after a confrontation at a residential building in northwest Trinidad that left one suspect dead, authorities said.
Capt. Daniel Kawall, a Trinidad native who works for Caribbean Airlines, was reported missing on Sept. 3 when relatives last heard from him. After several days of searching by police and volunteers, officers got a breakthrough and moved in on Sunday, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said.
Guevarro said the confrontation with the kidnappers escalated into a gunfight. One suspect was killed during the operation and three others were arrested. Two additional suspects fled the scene, and police said the search for them continues. The commissioner did not confirm whether a ransom had been paid.
Kawall underwent a medical examination after being freed and showed no physical injuries, Guevarro said. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of his abduction, where he was held or the identities of the arrested suspects.
The rescue marks the second recent high-profile recovery of a kidnapping victim in the twin-island republic. On July 21, police announced the rescue of a woman who had been abducted eight days earlier; a suspect was shot and killed by officers during that operation.
Trinidad and Tobago has been grappling with a surge in violent crime, and a state of emergency remains in effect as authorities seek to curb gang activity and kidnappings. Guevarro said the latest operation was intended to send a clear message about law enforcement’s response to kidnappings.
"Let this serve as a clear warning that law enforcement will not tolerate the return of kidnappings for ransom," Guevarro said.
Police provided few other details about the investigation, including whether the arrested suspects are linked to any larger criminal networks. Prosecutors and investigators will determine next steps, including potential charges and whether additional arrests are warranted.
Caribbean Airlines did not immediately comment on the incident. The airline and national authorities have previously urged the public to assist with information in criminal investigations and have appealed for calm as security operations continue.
The case is part of broader efforts by Trinidad and Tobago’s government and security forces to reduce a rising toll of murders and abductions over the past year, which officials have attributed to intensified gang rivalries and arms trafficking. Authorities have repeatedly cited the state of emergency as a temporary measure to restore order while long-term policing and social strategies are developed.
Investigators continue to seek information on the two suspects who escaped during the operation and have appealed to residents with any relevant information to contact police. Further updates were expected as the investigation progresses and as medical and legal reviews proceed.