Deadly daylight robbery in MoBay

The St James police have taken one man into custody for questioning in connection with the shooting death of a popular Chinese businessman and his personal security guard on Monday in downtown Montego Bay.

The police have identified the deceased as Kenneth Li, otherwise called 'Kenny', owner and operator of Cash Smart Supermarket along Barnett Street, and his employee Carl Reid.

The men were shot and killed during a robbery which occurred opposite the Church Street Police Station. Another man who was travelling with them was shot and injured. He is receiving treatment at hospital.

Reports by the police are that about 10:55 a.m., Li, Reid and the other man were in a Toyota Hiace minibus, heading to banking institution along Church Street to deposit money.

They were pounced upon by three armed men travelling in a motor car who opened fire hitting them several times.

Li lost control of the vehicle, which collided with another bus.

Immediately following the shooting, a motor vehicle sped on to the scene and one of the gunmen jumped into the car which sped away.

The other gunman made his escape on foot, in the vicinity of Market Street.

The police were summoned and upon their arrival, they cordoned off several streets in the downtown area, and took two men into custody, while the injured men were transported to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The investigators say a bag containing an undetermined sum of money was taken from the vehicle by the robbers.

Still in disbelief

Several persons who say they witnessed the entire incident, told THE STAR that they are still in disbelief that such an incident took place close to a police station.

"Mi shock when mi see the boy dem a point the gun dem inna the bus, and same time everybody start run fi cover," on taxi operator told THE STAR. "When mi look mi see the Chiney man a try fi drive weh, and him crash inna the bus, and a pure gunshot the boy them leggo inna the bus."

A vendor added, "It kinda shocking fi see the entire thing happen right in front a the police station."

Meanwhile, in light of the double murder, the JCF is once again urging business persons to utilise the services of private security firms when seeking to make large deposits to banks.

Head of the JCF's Corporate Communication Unit (CCU), Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, reminded business persons that if they find the cost of these services too onerous, the local police are more than capable of assisting.

"We want to remind them that the Jamaica Constabulary Force will support them. This is an area that you can actually make arrangements with your local police who will provide you with escort services to and from financial institution," she said.

The CCU also reported that the police are utilising CCTV and other technologies to pursue several leads.