Two killed in shootouts

Two men were killed in separate shootings in the Kingston West Police Division yesterday, as criminals also stole a motorbike belonging to a private security company.

The names of the dead men have not been established. However, information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that about 4 p.m. the police, acting on intelligence, went into an area close to Gem Road where they discovered the stolen bike and several other motorcycles that were also presumed to be stolen. The reports further stated that the police heard explosions elsewhere and responded immediately. A man was found shot to death.

The loud explosions drew the attention of another team who then encountered gunmen on Lincoln Avenue. A shoot-out ensued and a man was later found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Head of the division, Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps, confirmed that both incidents took place in the Maxfield Park community.

He also said that the police recovered an M16 rifle and a 9mm pistol from the scene and that they are seeking two men identified only as 'Dollar Boss' and 'Antsman'.

"I can confirm these two incidents, one which was a murder shooting and the police responded and in the process challenged some men," he said. Phipps said that he will increase the number of boots on the ground in order to ensure public safety.

"For the last three months we haven't had anything up in that Lincoln area there, so it was kind of surprising to see that we had that shooting up there. We are still trying to find out what has led to that shooting and to see the real motive behind it. But, in the meantime, we have increased our presence in the area to make the area safe for the residents in that community," he said.

- R.M.