The police have apprehended eight people following a failed robbery attempt at a Portland Western Union that left one of the would-be robbers dead on Monday.
According to reports, the attempted theft, which occurred in Hope Bay, was foiled by a licensed firearm holder. Reports state that at approximately 2 a.m. this morning, around five men who were reportedly armed with handguns took off a door at the rear end of the Western Union to gain entry.
Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, the head of the Portland police division, disclosed that the licensed firearm holder challenged the men after they forced their way inside. There was an exchange of gunfire between the man and the thieves, and one of them was injured.
The police subsequently arrived at the scene of the robbery and took control of the area. The injured man was later transported to the Port Antonio hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his wounds.
The driver of a motor vehicle, which the police believe was used in the attempted robbery, was taken into custody, and the car was seized. The police’s subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of seven more individuals, as well as the seizure of a 9 mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition.
The identities of the deceased man and the individuals currently in custody have not yet been shared with the public. However, two of the people who were apprehended are suspected to be the mother and sister of one of the men who was involved in today’s foiled robbery.
In footage currently circulating online, the alleged robbery conspirators, the man, his mother, and his sister, can be seen being apprehended by the police. While no injuries were reported, it appears that the man may have sustained a injury to his left leg.
According to Superintendent McCarthy, none of the detainees reside in Portland and are of Kingston addresses. The superintendent has warned individuals with bad intentions to stay away from the parish.
