A man was shot and killed after biting a police officer during a struggle over a firearm while officers attempted to detain him in Southboro, Portmore, St Catherine.
The fatal encounter developed in the early hours of yesterday morning after a police team on patrol acted on intelligence regarding armed occupants travelling in a Toyota Voxy motor vehicle. Around 1:20 a.m., officers intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to stop. The driver parked the vehicle without resistance, but seconds later, a man reportedly emerged with a gun.
Police say the man discharged his weapon at the officers before fleeing the scene on foot. Meanwhile, the driver drove off, quickly leaving the location. A pursuit was launched, but the suspect managed to evade immediate capture, disappearing into nearby surroundings.
Further checks in the community led officers to a house along Gilden Way after receiving information that a man was hiding inside the premises. Police entered the location and confronted the suspect. Moments later, he was being detained, but he was reportedly uncooperative.
According to police accounts, the arrest became increasingly volatile. Officers allege that the man was still in possession of a firearm concealed on his person and actively resisted being detained. A tussle ensued, during which he reportedly bit one of the officers on the finger while attempting to disarm him and gain control of the officer’s weapon.
As the struggle continued, the man shoved the lawman after biting him. Police further allege that the suspect succeeded in taking hold of a firearm during the tussle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons in response to what they described as an immediate threat.
The man was shot and later found with a nine-millimetre Browning pistol, which contained a magazine loaded with four rounds of ammunition. He was later confirmed to be dead after being transported to the Spanish Town Hospital.
Following the incident, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the sequence of events leading up to the discharge of firearms during the struggle.