A routine Tuesday afternoon at Sammy’s Supermarket on Lower All Saints Road quickly turned into a tense confrontation after the business’s managing director allegedly detained four suspected fraudsters before police arrived.

The incident unfolded around 4:09 p.m. on Tuesday when a man and a woman entered the supermarket and allegedly attempted to cash what was later determined to be a stolen cheque.

Speaking exclusively to Observer Media, Managing Director Samico Diaz said the pair’s behaviour immediately caught his attention, prompting him to closely monitor their movements before confronting them.

According to Diaz, he detained the two suspects at gunpoint and escorted them to the rear of the supermarket, where he questioned them about the cheque.

“Ya haffu be one thief for ketch one thief,” Diaz said, using the local expression to explain how years of experience have helped him recognize suspicious behaviour before a crime is completed.

He said a search of the pair allegedly uncovered a cutlass and a knife.

During questioning, Diaz said the suspects indicated that two other individuals waiting outside the supermarket were also involved in the alleged scheme.

He then went outside, where he encountered two masked individuals. Diaz said he detained them as well and escorted them to the rear of the building, bringing the total number of suspects to four.

Police were immediately contacted, and officers attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU) responded within minutes.

Diaz commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism in bringing the situation under control.

Although injuries were sustained during the confrontation, he did not disclose who was injured or the extent of those injuries.

He said the incident, while serious, has not left a lasting emotional impact on his staff.

Diaz described his employees as resilient, noting that they remained calm throughout the ordeal and have not required counselling or additional support.

The businessman is encouraging fellow business owners to remain vigilant and pay close attention to unusual behaviour, saying that awareness can often prevent crimes before they occur.

The four suspects were taken into police custody as investigations continue.

In a separate statement issued Tuesday evening, the Police Administration confirmed that four people had been arrested in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate the suspects allegedly attempted to cash a cheque that had been reported stolen after the owner of the business became suspicious and alerted law enforcement.

Authorities are urging business owners, financial institutions and employees who process financial transactions to remain vigilant when handling cheques and other negotiable instruments. Businesses are encouraged to verify the authenticity of cheques, confirm the identity of those presenting them, and immediately report any suspicious activity to police.

Investigations remain ongoing.