In a series of swift operations over the past week, Jamaican police rescued an abducted teacher in Westmoreland and fatally shot all three men accused of her kidnapping. Authorities say the dramatic efforts unfolded in two separate confrontations, first claiming the lives of two suspects, then another who had been hiding for days.
The ordeal began before dawn on May 8, when three armed men forced a female educator from her vehicle in Pell River, Hanover. Officers from the Hanover and Westmoreland divisions acted on intelligence and zeroed in on a house where the teacher was believed to be held.
When officers arrived, they encountered 21-year-old Kevin Gordon, known locally as “Josh”, and 27-year-old Christopher Williams, called “Bubba”. Police ordered both men to surrender, but Gordon and Williams allegedly opened fire.
Officers returned fire, fatally wounding both. Investigators recovered two 9 mm pistols at the scene. Police subsequently launched a manhunt for the third suspect, Omar Johnson.
On Wednesday night, around 10:30 p.m., police acted on intelligence, this time placing Johnson at another Pell River property. Officers converged on the location and called on Johnson to give himself up, Nationwide News reported. Following an alleged confrontation, Johnson was shot and killed by officers. After the shooting, police reportedly recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition.
The safety of the teacher remained paramount throughout these operations. Police say she was recovered unharmed after the first confrontation. Medical checks confirmed she suffered no lasting physical injuries.
Kevin Gordon had been out on bail for a September 2023 murder charge when he joined in the alleged abduction plot. There have been no reports regarding whether the other two alleged abductors, Williams and Johnson, had any prior charges. The police’s swift response earned widespread praise from locals, who took to social media to commend their efforts.