Serial robber killed during attempted bank heist

Several business operators in downtown Montego Bay believe that the man who was fatally shot while trying to rob the Scotiabank outlet in Sam Sharp Square yesterday was behind a series of knife robberies carried out in the city over the past two weeks.

This despite reports from investigators that they are still trying to determine if the unidentified male is linked to the robberies. Reports by the police are that about 8:45 a.m., the unidentified male, who was armed with a knife, forced his way inside the bank minutes after it opened and jumped across the counter. He reportedly grabbed a teller and held the knife to her neck while demanding money. A standoff developed between the robber and armed guards, some of whom rushed to the bank after the alarm was triggered. The man was shot after allegedly attacking the guards. He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he died while being treated.

One employee told THE STAR that she prayed during the ordeal, hoping that the robber would not harm her co-worker.

"I cannot believe what really took place up to now. It was like one of those movies and even worse, when we saw the man jump over the counter and hold the knife to her neck," she stated. "All this time I was calling on the Lord to take hold of the entire bank and not to let any one get hurt."

In the meanwhile, the police say they are still trying to ascertain the man's identity and to get a report on whether he had mental issues. They are also to determine if he fits the profile of the individual who has carried out several robberies across downtown Montego Bay in the last two weeks.

"We will also be stepping up patrols and police presence in Montego Bay, more so within the busy township to ensure that incidents such as these do not repeat itself," one senior cop said. The officer added that they are reviewing the CCTV footage from other incidents to determine if this individual is linked in any way.