.png)
Superintendent Michael Campbell, Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine South Division
By Kimone Witter
A man was fatally shot in a section of Gregory Park on Sunday evening as a town hall meeting was underway about the crime and violence in the Portmore, St. Catherine community.
The deceased has been identified as Javon Lawrence.
Mr. Lawrence was attacked about 7:30 p.m. on Orion Drive in Watson Grove.
It's reported that he took some children to purchase ice-cream when he was shot multiple times. The children were not harmed.
In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, following the town hall meeting at the nearby Baptist Road, Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine South Division, Superintendent Michael Campbell, said Gregory Park has recorded 16 murders since January.
"Unfortunately we are seeing an increase of three, when compared to the same period for last year. But general crime for Gregory Park has been down and we have been having a lull since we have increased our policing strategy in the zone, for example, with the police force. So we continue to push, we're continuing our operational activities and working with the community," he said.
Sunday's murder was not included in the statistics provided by Superintendent Campbell.
A police post was set up in Gregory Park last month to enhance safety and security.
In the meantime, Superintendent Campbell said the St. Catherine South Division has recorded a 21 per cent reduction in murders and 18 per cent reduction in shootings, so far this year.
Addressing the town hall meeting in Gregory Park on Sunday, he said the support of the community and the ongoing operational push in the division have resulted in the seizure of 72 firearms, a 118 per cent increase when compared to the corresponding period last year.
"We are relying on our citizens to continue to work with us to ensure that we have communities that are safe. As best as we possibly can, we focus on ensuring that we save the lives of our people," he urged.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
