Two teenage girls are recovering from gunshot injuries that police believe were caused by illegal celebratory gunfire, despite repeated public warnings against the dangerous practice.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reports that in the first incident, around 12:02 a.m. on Thursday, a 13-year-old girl visiting from Canada was on a balcony at a home on Dreamland Drive in Portmore, St Catherine, watching New Year’s fireworks when she was hit by bullets.
Shortly after the sound of explosions, she began experiencing sharp pains in her thigh and back. She was rushed to hospital, where she remains in stable condition, according to police.
In a separate case around the same time, a 14-year-old girl from Bond Street in Kingston was seated beneath a tree in her community when she suddenly felt a burning sensation in her shoulder. It was later discovered that she, too, had been shot.
She was taken to hospital and is also listed in stable condition.
Police have strongly condemned the incidents, labeling the suspected gun salutes as reckless, irresponsible, and life-threatening. The JCF again stressed that firing guns into the air is illegal and poses a serious risk to innocent people.
Investigations into both shootings are ongoing as officers work to trace the source of the gunfire and identify those involved. The police are appealing to anyone with information to assist.
Persons with relevant details are encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the Police Emergency number at 119, or report the matter at the nearest police station.