Soldiers hold runner with illegal gun

A St James man, who hurt himself while trying to evade soldiers, is now facing gun charges after he was held during a military operation in Coconut Palm, Mount Salem in the parish on Tuesday.

Twenty-three-year-old Jerome Rankin of Crawford Street, Mount Salem, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition.

Reports from the Mount Salem police are that about 12:45 p.m., members of the Jamaica Defence Force were on foot patrol in the area when they saw five men along the roadway acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion. As they got closer, the men ran in different directions and a chase ensued.

During the chase, Rankin fell and was accosted by the team, who searched him. A Taurus 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine containing eight 9mm rounds was taken from his waist band. He was treated for injuries he received as a result of the fall and was later released into police custody, where he was charged. His court date is being finalised.