Eighteen-year-old Dwayne ‘Gugu’ Leslie was shot and killed by members of the police force on Wednesday in the Kingston West Police Division.
Hours before his death, Leslie’s photo was circulated on social media, and he was listed as a wanted man on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s online campaign, Wanted Wednesdays. According to the notice, he was wanted for shooting with intent.
Leslie reportedly intentionally wounded a man in the corporate area on April 8. The alleged gunman was discovered during an intelligence-led operation in the Upper West Street area of Hannah Town by members of the Kingston Western Special Operations Team and members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
An officer is said to have discovered Leslie on the roof of a building after he heard shuffling while his team searched a premises. Reports state that Leslie was crouching on top of the building and trying to hide.
After the officer shouted at him, Leslie allegedly pointed a gun at him, prompting the officer to fire at him with his M4 service rifle. Leslie ran, jumping over a fence which led to 16 Rose Lane, where he encountered JDF members.
The soldiers fired at Leslie after he had allegedly pointed his weapon in their direction. Leslie ran off again, this time into a premises at 9B Rose Lane. He was later found at the premises lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his left shoulder.
A 9-millimetre pistol with a magazine containing two rounds was found close by at the scene. Leslie was later pronounced dead after he was transported to the Kingston Public Hospital.
The deceased was allegedly known to have a firearm and was a member of the Gully and Margaret Street gangs.
