Cops, gunmen in shoot-out near airport

A heated gun battle between law enforcers in Montego Bay and a group of heavily armed men, in the vicinity of the Sangster International Airport yesterday afternoon, ended with two of the men being taken into custody.

The police have not yet released the identities of the men, but say both are of Flanker addresses in the second city.

A search has also been launched for two other men who managed to shoot their way free from the scene.

Reports by the police are that shortly after 3:30 p.m., a police team was on patrol in the White House community when they intercepted a motor car with four men on board.

On seeing the lawmen approaching, the men brandished high-powered weapons and opened fire at the police, which resulted in a chase and heated gun battle, lasting for more than an hour.

The lawmen called for backup resulting in two of the gunmen being captured, and two others managing to escape. Two illegal firearms and several rounds of ammunition were taken from the men.

A police source told THE WEEKEND STAR that the men are believed to be members of a gang operating out of Flanker.

Errol Chattoo, the director of complaints at the Independent Commission of Investigations' Western Office, told THE WEEKEND STAR that a team of investigators from the commission have visited the scene and have commenced an investigation into the incident.

"We have responded to the circumstances which led to the exchange of gunfire between gunmen and the police in the White House community in Montego Bay, and which resulted in two men being taken into custody and two firearms seized," Chattoo said.

"The investigation is still at an early stage so we cannot give a full statement at this time."