Two men were killed, and an illegal gun with ammunition was seized by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Wednesday during an operation in Wynter’s Pen, St. Catherine.
The deceased men have been identified as 23-year-old Malachi Delano McLean and 24-year-old Nickoy Nelson. Nelson, who was also known by the alias ‘Butch Boy’, was employed as a mason and resided in the community of Casual Farm in Wynter’s Pen.
McLean, who was not employed, also went by the alias ‘Cripple’ and resided in Jones Town, Spanish Town. According to reports, a police team was conducting a targeted operation at approximately 7 a.m. when they entered a house and saw both men in a room.
While the officers were searching the room, two gunshots were reportedly fired. One of the officers’ ballistic vests was hit during the gunfire and damaged, injuring the policeman. The police team returned fire, hitting and injuring Nelson and McLean.
Reports state that a Canik TP9 Elite nine-millimetre pistol affixed with a magazine containing five rounds of ammunition was allegedly seized at the scene. McLean and Nelson were pronounced dead after being transported to the Spanish Town Hospital.
The officer received treatment for his injury and was later released. The shooting is being investigated by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
There have been 230 police-related fatal shootings since the beginning of the year, 20 of which were recorded in September.
