Man fatally shot by police in Oracabessa, St Mary, two guns seized

The St Mary police have fatally shot a man during a shootout in the community of Tank Lane in Oracabessa, in the early morning.

The police reported that two loaded guns were seized from 33-year-old Jhevaughn Norcliff Peart, otherwise called 'Shotty Bones', a resident of Tank Lane.

According to the St Mary police, at approximately 12:26 a.m., officers were conducting an operation in the community when they observed Peart standing in a doorway inside a house.

The police said that he was seen holding a brown paper bag in his left hand and a firearm in his right hand.

"Upon seeing the police, Peart pointed the firearm at the officers. In response, and fearing for their lives, officers discharged their service weapons. Peart was struck and disarmed," said Acting Superintendent of Police for the St Mary Police Division, Anthony Wallace.

"A silver .38 revolver was retrieved from his right hand, while another silver .38 revolver was found inside the brown paper bag that he was carrying at the time. Peart was immediately transported to the Port Maria Hospital, where he was pronounced dead," Wallace added.

Both firearms were reported to be loaded with ammunition.

The police say a subsequent search of the premises was conducted, and officers discovered additional ammunition on a dresser in a room occupied by the deceased.

"The police remain committed to removing illegal firearms from communities and ensuring public safety through strategic crime-fighting operations," Wallace asserted.

Wallace is also appealing to anyone with information on illegal firearms or those involved in criminal activities to come forward.

Meanwhile, the fatal shooting is being probed by the Independent Commission of Investigations.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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