Cops seek gunmen who attacked colleague, family

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is appealing to the public for information following a deadly attack on one of its members and his family in Reading, St James, about 8:39 p.m. on Saturday.

In a statement, the JCF confirmed that a policeman, his spouse, and young son were attacked in their home. It said the spouse succumbed to her injuries, while the officer and his son remain hospitalised and are receiving medical treatment. The cop is attached to the Area One Lottery Scam Task Force.

"We pray for a speedy recovery and express condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," the JCF said. Neither the circumstances of the incident nor the lawman's identity have been disclosed.

The JCF assured the public that it will conduct a thorough and swift investigation, employing all available resources to bring those responsible to justice. The force urged anyone with information related to the attack to come forward and assist with the inquiry.

The incident has drawn condemnation from Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and Opposition Spokesman on National Security Senator Peter Bunting, who have expressed condolences and called for decisive action against violent crime. Chang said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by security personnel in their efforts to keep Jamaicans safe.

"This attack has not shaken the resolve of the security forces and the Government in our move to improve upon the reduction in violent crimes, including murder. It presents a stark reminder of the dangers our crime-fighters face as they strive daily to keep us safe and secure," he said, adding that the JCF has the full backing of the Government "in lawfully pursuing the thugs", paving the way for them to be brought to justice.

Bunting called the incident a "cold-blooded assault on a young family" and offered prayers for the recovery of the policeman and his son, while condemning the circulation of graphic images and videos of victims, calling it "deeply dehumanising" and retraumatising for grieving families. Bunting reiterated the Opposition's call for urgent and effective action to address violent crime and protect law enforcement families.

"We must act decisively to break the cycle of violence - and as a society, we must reject not only the acts themselves, but also the callousness that allows such indignities to be treated as entertainment."