Wanted man killed in Westmoreland

One man who the Westmoreland police say was being sought for murder was fatally shot after he allegedly challenged members of a police patrol in Savanna-la-Mar on Thursday afternoon. The incident happened minutes after members of the security forces swooped down on several alleged gang members in the parish.

The deceased has been identified as Jason Grant, otherwise called 'Oney', of a Savanna-la-Mar address. Police say a .38 revolver with five .38 rounds of cartridges was recovered.

Superintendent Robert Gordon, commanding officer for Westmoreland, told THE WEEKEND STAR that Grant was wanted for murders. He said that the police will be resolute in seeking to apprehend wanted men and urged them not to attempt to take on the lawmen.

"We are asking persons that on the approach of the police, do not to try to cause harm to come to any law enforcement officer, whether it be a Jamaica Constabulary Force or the Jamaica Defence Force member, because our first intention is not to cause harm, but to apprehend you, take you into custody, and put you before a court of law," Gordon said.

"However, if during the lawful execution of the police's duty you may seek to cause harm, the police have every right to defend themselves, like any other citizen," Gordon added.

While lawmen were attending to the scene where Grant was shot, members of the Savanna-la-Mar police, Specialised Operations Unit, Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch, and the Canine Division were rounding up men in the parish.

Several persons, said to be members of the Kings Valley and Russia gangs, were taken into custody.