Three men were fatally shot in an alleged police confrontation that left two officers nursing gunshot wounds. The incident, which unfolded late Monday night along the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine, has since sparked a major manhunt as investigators seek to locate two suspects who escaped the scene.
According to preliminary reports, the confrontation began around 10:30 p.m., when police intercepted a white Toyota Axio around 10:30 p.m. Police say that the vehicle was carrying five men. It is alleged that instead of complying with the order to stop, the occupants began shooting at lawmen.
The police reportedly returned fire, resulting in a shootout that left the roadway in chaos as gunfire echoed throughout the area. Three of the armed men sustained gunshot wounds during the shootout, while two members of the police force also sustained injuries.
The police officers were rushed to the hospital for treatment. One officer, who was not seriously injured, was later released. The other lawman continues to receive treatment at the hospital, but his condition is reported to be stable.
The three injured suspects were also transported to the hospital, but they succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the deceased are currently unknown. The two other men reportedly fled the scene while still firing at the lawmen, prompting an immediate manhunt along sections of the bypass and surrounding communities.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the location. These weapons are expected to undergo ballistic testing as part of the investigation. The incident is said to be linked to a wider intelligence-driven operation targeting armed criminal groups believed to be active in St Catherine and neighbouring parishes.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was informed about the incident and has launched its own probe into the events leading up to the fatal exchange, as is standard procedure when police use deadly force.