An alleged gang member who was previously jailed for murder was shot and killed during an early-morning police operation in Land Lease, St Andrew, on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Effin Clark, also known by the alias “Federal”. Police say Clark was allegedly a high-ranking member of the Bay Street gang in Kingston and had been wanted for multiple criminal offences.
He was killed when a team from the Kingston East Police Division was conducting an operation at a house in the community at about 3 a.m., according to a report. Officers reportedly approached the premises and knocked on the door, which was opened by a woman later identified as Clark’s common-law wife.
Police say the officers then entered the house and went into a bedroom where Clark was seen with a firearm. Upon seeing the lawmen, Clark allegedly aimed his gun at them. The police reported that they discharged their weapons in response, shooting Clark. He was later pronounced dead.
Following the incident, officers reportedly recovered a Glock 40 pistol from the scene, which police say was taken from Clark’s body. Authorities said that, prior to the operation, Clark had been listed on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesday campaign for offences such as assault at common law, possession of a prohibited weapon, and unauthorised possession of ammunition.
Police further reported that Clark had previously spent approximately four years on remand for murder before being released from custody early last year. Law enforcement officials further indicated that Clark was connected to criminal networks in Kingston, as he is the nephew of a convicted criminal. According to police, his uncle provided him with a safe refuge in Land Lease.
The early-morning operation formed part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to locate individuals listed as wanted for serious crimes and efforts to capture individuals connected to organised criminal groups.
