Amid the string of robberies at Western Union branches, the Hope Bay outlet in Portland became the latest target, but the heist was foiled by a licensed firearm holder. The attempted robbery ended with one man dead and eight others in police custody in the wee hours of Monday morning.
The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on Monday, when a group gained access to the building by removing a rear door. Reports say the group was armed, but their plans were quickly derailed when they were confronted by a licensed firearm holder. A gun battle followed, leaving one of the intruders injured. He was later pronounced dead at the Port Antonio Hospital.
Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, who heads the Portland Police Division, explained that swift police response helped to contain the situation. “The police quickly arrived on the scene and took control of the area,” he said.
Police captured eight suspects linked to the robbery, including the driver of a vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery. The seven others were detained during follow-up operations after the incident.
Additionally, Superintendent McCarthy revealed that two of the people in custody are believed to be close relatives, particularly the mother and sister, of one of the suspects.
Videos have since emerged on Instagram showing multiple people detained. One of the videos shows two women and a man in handcuffs while in the back of a police service vehicle that drives off shortly after. Other videos show them moments before they were taken away by officers. Onlookers can be heard condemning their alleged actions in the background.
Authorities made several seizures following the robbery, including the vehicle, a nine-millimetre pistol, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
The police have since confirmed that none of the individuals in custody are from Portland. “They all have addresses in Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine,” McCarthy noted. Issuing a stern warning, he added, “If your intentions are not good, do not come into the parish of Portland.”
