Portland residents believe fugitive Davian Bryan attacked woman

Residents of Durham district in Portland believe that fugitive Davian Bryan, who allegedly kidnapped two students in St Thomas last year, is now hiding in the area and is possibly being assisted with food by relatives.

On Wednesday, a woman was attacked and abducted in Durham just before noon. The woman was reportedly dragged into a heavily vegetated gully area and her head was reportedly bashed with a stone several times. The woman was rescued by residents who took her to the Port Antonio Hospital but she was later transferred to St Ann's Bay Hospital and admitted in a critical state. Operations officer in charge of the Portland Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Velonique Campbell, said that police have received reports about the incident, but are unable to confirm if Bryan is involved.

"We are aware of the information and we are treating the matter seriously. We carried out an operation yesterday (Wednesday) and we are working with the residents to see how best we can manage to apprehend whoever is involved in that incident," she said. The news team journeyed to Durham yesterday where residents showed a hut that they believe is being used by Bryan. A pot with a freshly cooked meal of white rice and tin mackerel was spotted on the ground, while a nearby cot with a sponge and two flashlights were also seen.

A closer observation also revealed a water drum, items of clothing, dozens of egg shells, empty assorted plastic bottles, dozens of used soup cups, a fire place, a machete, and an additional pot.

Fearful residents are now appealing to the police to conduct more frequent patrols in the area.

Last December, Dennis Brooks, senior communication strategist in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, gave the assurance that the manhunt to apprehend Bryan is still on. Brooks indicated that it was the belief of the police that Bryan was getting some level of assistance which has enabled him to continuously elude them.