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West Kingston rejoices after cops kill thug
West Kingston rejoices after cops kill thug
Published: Friday | May 10, 2013 1 Comment
Apprehensive residents of west Kingston yesterday welcomed news that the war-torn community was rid of one less notorious thug, when a well-known gunman was cut down by lawmen in an alleged gun battle.
An ex-convict, recently released from prison and accused by senior police officers and residents of reigning terror on sections of western Kingston, was fatally shot by crime-fighters, hours after masked gunmen struck in the volatile Luke Lane community.
The dead man was identified by his aliases, 'One of Us' and 'Geronimo'.
When several volleys of gunfire ceased, it was discovered that three persons were injured - two men in their 20s seriously, and a female teen who was shot in the foot, was treated and released.
One of the men was shot twice in the neck as he sat talking with friends. The other man was reportedly chased and shot by the gunmen. He underwent emergency surgery while the teen was treated and released.
An ongoing feud involving factions from West Street-Matthews Lane and Luke Lane, all garrison strongholds of the People's National Party (PNP), has claimed the lives of a number of persons since the start of the year.
WORRYING DATA
Police data show a spike in killings and shootings, a situation that has elicited worry from Member of Parliament for West Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, who reiterated his concerns earlier this week, when an ex-army reservist was gunned down in neighbouring Tivoli Gardens.
The police crime sheet recorded 24 persons killed between January 1 and May 4, 2013 in the Kingston Western police division, compared to 15 over the corresponding period last year, an increase of 60 per cent.
There was a 100 per cent hike from six to 12 in the neighbouring Kingston Central Division.
As the atmosphere tensed in the aftermath of the shooting, residents cheered as a team of police transported the body of the suspect to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A pistol was reportedly taken from the body of the man who frequented the West Street-Matthews Lane area.
'Geronimo' was accosted at Matthews Lane, where the gun battle ensued.
The police told The Gleaner they were on the hunt for a man from a highly connected family of dons whom they believe can assist them in their probe.
Many residents lavished praise on the police whom they say were quick on the scene and were instrumental in saving the life of one of the victims who was rapidly losing blood.
Police and residents say Geronimo was among a group of men who shot up a streetside church meeting at the intersection of Charles Street and Luke Lane, the same location where the three were shot.
Police sources told The Gleaner that preliminary investigations led to the suspect, who challenged the police when he was apprehended yesterday morning.
The fire was reportedly returned and Geronimo was hit.
Published: Friday | May 10, 2013 1 Comment
Apprehensive residents of west Kingston yesterday welcomed news that the war-torn community was rid of one less notorious thug, when a well-known gunman was cut down by lawmen in an alleged gun battle.
An ex-convict, recently released from prison and accused by senior police officers and residents of reigning terror on sections of western Kingston, was fatally shot by crime-fighters, hours after masked gunmen struck in the volatile Luke Lane community.
The dead man was identified by his aliases, 'One of Us' and 'Geronimo'.
When several volleys of gunfire ceased, it was discovered that three persons were injured - two men in their 20s seriously, and a female teen who was shot in the foot, was treated and released.
One of the men was shot twice in the neck as he sat talking with friends. The other man was reportedly chased and shot by the gunmen. He underwent emergency surgery while the teen was treated and released.
An ongoing feud involving factions from West Street-Matthews Lane and Luke Lane, all garrison strongholds of the People's National Party (PNP), has claimed the lives of a number of persons since the start of the year.
WORRYING DATA
Police data show a spike in killings and shootings, a situation that has elicited worry from Member of Parliament for West Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, who reiterated his concerns earlier this week, when an ex-army reservist was gunned down in neighbouring Tivoli Gardens.
The police crime sheet recorded 24 persons killed between January 1 and May 4, 2013 in the Kingston Western police division, compared to 15 over the corresponding period last year, an increase of 60 per cent.
There was a 100 per cent hike from six to 12 in the neighbouring Kingston Central Division.
As the atmosphere tensed in the aftermath of the shooting, residents cheered as a team of police transported the body of the suspect to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A pistol was reportedly taken from the body of the man who frequented the West Street-Matthews Lane area.
'Geronimo' was accosted at Matthews Lane, where the gun battle ensued.
The police told The Gleaner they were on the hunt for a man from a highly connected family of dons whom they believe can assist them in their probe.
Many residents lavished praise on the police whom they say were quick on the scene and were instrumental in saving the life of one of the victims who was rapidly losing blood.
Police and residents say Geronimo was among a group of men who shot up a streetside church meeting at the intersection of Charles Street and Luke Lane, the same location where the three were shot.
Police sources told The Gleaner that preliminary investigations led to the suspect, who challenged the police when he was apprehended yesterday morning.
The fire was reportedly returned and Geronimo was hit.