Teen suspected in rapes and robberies detained

A teenager who is suspected of working with two other men to rob and rape women in and around Montego Bay was held by the police last Saturday.

It is alleged that the other men pose as a taxi driver and passenger. Once women enter the vehicle, they are robbed, raped and then pushed from the vehicle.

The Mount Salem police say they are unable to release the identity of the accused at this time.

THE STAR learnt that the teen was apprehended after the latest victim, a 22-year-old woman from Trelawny, reported her assault to the police last Saturday.

Sources close to the investigation said that the woman stopped the vehicle about 8 p.m. along Gautry Road in Montego Bay.

The man posing as a passenger in the rear of the car brandished what she believed to be a handgun and restrained her.

The men then drove to an isolated area, raped her and robbed her of cash, a cell phone and other personal items.

Shoved from the car

She was then transported to a section of Montego Bay and shoved her from the car. She later made a report to the police.

The police then launched a search for the men, and shortly after 10 p.m., they came upon a Toyota Probox motor car fitting the description given by the victim along a section of the Rose Heights main road.

Upon the approach of the police, two men ran from the car and escaped in the community, but the lawmen apprehended the teen.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than a dozen handbags, which are believed to have been stolen from victims.

The lawmen also seized an imitation firearm inside the car.

The teen was taken into custody and transported to the Freeport lock-up.

The police are asking victims to come forward and identify their stolen bags, while assisting them in their investigations.