http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Man ... 28631.htmlMan beaten at Hi-Lo
...parked in handicapped zone
By Gyasi Gonzales
gyasi.gonzales@trinidadexpress.com Story Created: Oct 10, 2012 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Oct 10, 2012 at 11:53 PM ECT
GLEN RAMDAG wanted a pack of Pinehill Dairy Juice, which he said was only available at Hi-Lo Foodstores, but instead he got a "severe" beating by a security officer when he parked in the handicapped zone at the supermarket's St Augustine branch on Tuesday morning.
Neal and Massy Holdings, Hi-Lo's parent company, has since issued an apology, stating: "We deeply regret that the incident occurred and apologise sincerely to the injured person and to all our customers who witnessed the incident."
Ramdag, 52, who lives in St Joseph, spoke to the Express yesterday afternoon from his bed at Medical Associates Nursing Home in St Joseph, where he was taken for treatment to injuries suffered in the beating, which occurred at 9.50 a.m.
Ramdag said he and his wife (who did not want to be named) were conducting business and decided to visit the supermarket to pick up a few items, including his favourite Pinehill Dairy juice.
"I drove in the car park and stopped near the entrance," he said, adding that there were no parking spots at the time so he left the engine of his van running, with a friend of his in the van's front passenger seat.
"I went to see if my wife was ready but she wasn't so I run back out and it had a guard by the door and I jump in the van and he told me to move the van."
Ramdag said he was not blocking anyone at the time and spent less than a minute in the grocery.
However, there was a second guard by the door who came out and began berating him about parking near the handicapped zone.
Ramdag said he eventually found a spot and after securing the van he got out and began walking towards the grocery.
"This second guard then approached me and he was looking vex. I just told him I apologise and I walked off because I wasn't taking he on and then just so I feel a blow to my head."
Ramdag said that was followed by more blows and as he fell to the ground he was kicked and cuffed by the guard.
He said by that time he was in a state of confusion, when he felt himself being picked up by two people. They turned out to be off-duty policemen, who took him inside the grocery to meet his wife.
The police also wanted to question the guard, but he made his way into the supermarket's office and remained there and the officers never got an opportunity to interview him.
"While I was in there I began to feel giddy," said Ramdag, who collapsed in the grocery.
"When I regained my senses I was in Mt Hope (Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex)."
But Ramdag maintained that despite what happened he remains loyal to the supermarket.
"I shopping in Hi-Lo since it was in Curepe junction," he said.
Responding to the incident, Neal and Massy Holdings stated: "Hi-Lo Food Stores is aware that an altercation occurred yesterday morning (Tuesday) between a member of the public and a security officer, in the car park facility of its St Augustine branch. The security officer is employed by a private security firm.
"Hi-Lo's officials are currently undertaking a full investigation to determine the reasons for and circumstances surrounding the incident, to ensure that such actions are never repeated at this store or at any of our other locations."
The release continued: "Senior officials of Hi-Lo are due to meet with and visit the injured individual, who is currently receiving medical attention.
"The private security firm has removed the security officer from the store's premises and we have been assured that they will also follow an appropriate course of action, based on the findings of the investigation."
