It’s reported that four men were killed during an alleged shootout with lawmen in downtown Kingston on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred about 1:30 a.m. after a police team responded to reports of a shooting.
The alleged gunmen were travelling in a Toyota Isis with six men aboard along Orange street when the vehicle was reportedly signalled to stop, but the driver disobeyed.
The men aboard reportedly opened gunfire at the police and a chase ensued. The vehicle crashed at the intersection of King Street and Charles Street during the chase.
Police reports are that six men exited the vehicle firing at the lawmen, who returned fire. Two officers were on patrol along Princess Street in the vicinity of the hospital when they heard several loud explosions.
The lawmen proceeded to the area where they reportedly saw several men and some officers firing at each other.
The men then ran in different directions during the shootout. three of them got shot and fell to the ground. three 9mm pistols were taken from them.
Shortly after, one of the men who had reportedly engaged the police and had made his escape was seen suffering from gunshot wounds. He was assisted to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The other two men escaped in the area. A search of the vehicle was carried out and two M-16 rifles were reportedly found.
During the shooting, the men also fired on a team from Kingston West Division that came to help.
A constable was shot and injured in his right arm. He is being treated at hospital. An investigation into the incident has been launched.