A man was shot and killed by members of a police team conducting an operation in St. Catherine after he allegedly challenged them with a firearm.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday while a group of officers were conducting an operation along Jack Stephenson Street in Deeside near Linstead. After the officers approached a premises in the community, the man reportedly confronted the team with a handgun.
The team took evasive action and opened fire on the man. He was transported to the Linstead Hospital for treatment, where he later succumbed to the injuries he sustained.
Reports state that the police seized a gun affixed with a magazine containing five rounds of ammunition from the deceased. His identity has not yet been confirmed.
Following the shooting, the incident was reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which is currently investigating the man’s death. Last week, INDECOM raised concerns about the increase in fatalities involving the police.
The organisation once again called for an increase in the use of body-worn cameras by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) during planned police operations.
