An alleged car thief was fatally shot following a high-speed chase and gun battle between Malvern and Southampton in St Elizabeth on Saturday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Mark Allen, a resident of Schoolfield near Malvern.
Head of the St Elizabeth Police, Superintendent Coleridge Minto, explained in a video release that the incident began around 3:20 a.m., when police received reports of a stolen Toyota Voxy and a shooting with intent in the upper Portsea area.
“The police responded, and the said Toyota Voxy, along with a Toyota Axio motor car, were spotted travelling through Malvern. During the pursuit, armed men opened fire on the police. The Voxy later crashed in Southampton, and several men exited the vehicle and again fired at the police,” Minto stated.
Officers returned fire, hitting one of the men. Allen was rushed to the Black River Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His accomplices managed to flee from both vehicles.
Minto confirmed that the Toyota Axio also crashed along the Southampton main road, and those inside escaped on foot. He noted that the incident is part of a troubling trend, as this marks the third stolen vehicle reported in Malvern in recent weeks.
“All three stolen vehicles have since been recovered,” Minto added. “I want to assure the citizens of Malvern, surrounding communities, and the wider parish that the police remain committed to bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice.”
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the suspects who fled. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant.
“We appeal to anyone who notices strange persons moving about in their community to immediately contact the police at 119 or the nearest station,” Minto urged.