Most wanted gang leader ‘Bloodstain’ captured in Portmore

One of Jamaica's most wanted men, reputed gang leader Courtney "Bloodstain" Ashley, was finally captured yesterday during a targeted police operation in Phoenix Park Village, Portmore, ending years on the run.

Ashley, 43, who police identify as the leader of the Bottom Maverley Gang, was apprehended about 7:10 p.m. during an intelligence driven operation carried out by members of the St Catherine South Special Operations team. Two other individuals, a man and a woman, were also taken into custody.

Police reports state that on the arrival of the officers at the premises, two men and a woman were seen. The men attempted to flee but were quickly intercepted and detained along with the woman. All three were taken into custody during the operation.

A search of the premises resulted in the seizure of several cellular phones, laptops, a card reader, and sums of Jamaican and United States currency.

Ashley was wanted in connection with the 2017 murder of Andrew Foster and a shooting on Fenbrook Avenue in St Andrew. He was featured prominently in the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Wanted Wednesdays campaign and had been listed as a person of interest for several years in relation to multiple other cases. Police intelligence has also identified him as a high risk target involved in numerous gun related incidents.

He was also one of six men who escaped on July 21, 2025, after police thwarted a murder plot on Jacks Hill Road. That confrontation resulted in the seizure of five firearms, including an M16 rifle and a shotgun.

The JCF noted that while Ashley evaded capture during the Jacks Hill Road incident, his arrest on Monday night was carried out without the loss of life.

Head of the Crime and Security Portfolio, Deputy Commissioner of Police Richard Stewart, said the outcome highlights the force's commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of life when suspects submit to lawful arrest.

"The capture of this highly violent man underscores the validity of our appeal to suspects to surrender into custody and not to raise their guns at the police when confronted," Stewart said. "The JCF continues to urge those with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in to the nearest police station."

The identities of the other man and woman who were detained during the operation are being withheld pending further investigations.

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