Reputed gang leader shot dead in confrontation with police in St. James

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

The St. James Police say the reputed leader of the Dump faction of the 13th Street gang in the parish was gunned down on Wednesday night during a targeted operation in the Retirement community.

 

The man has been identified as Ackeem Bowen, otherwise called 'Wrizla'.

 

Mr. Bowen was before the court answering to a charge for illegal possession of a prohibited weapon.

 

The police say he was heavily involved in lottery scamming and is known to have an arsenal of illicit weapons under his control, which has made him a tyrant for some residents.

 

Superintendent Eron Samuels, Commanding Officer for the St. James Police Division, told Radio Jamaica News that Mr. Bowen featured in several murders and shootings across St. James and neighbouring parishes. 

 

He said cops went to execute a warrant on the reputed gang leader when they came upon gunfire. 

 

"They took evasive action and fired back at the suspect. When they were able to breach and go inside, the found the suspect clutching a firearm and suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds on his upper body. He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he died."  

 

Residents blocked the road to the community in protest.

 

Superintendent Samuels said the police are still working on clearing the roadway. 

 

He is pleading with residents not to push the authorities to use force as it works to contain the situation.

 

Meanwhile, Superintendent Samuels said the police will be strident in their approach to nab would-be criminals. 

 

"I am urging criminals who think that they can match up with the police, no, we are superior trained. We have just concluded most of our police officers with our level two training and they are sharp and they are agile. You cannot win if you confront police. Police will win, so we urge you to turn yourself in. When we list you, turn yourself in. If we are going to execute a search warrant, allow the police to do their jobs," he urged. 

 

Mr. Bowen is the second 13th Street Gang affiliate to be killed by the authorities this week.

 

Collin Walters, also known as '1 o'clock', was shot and killed during an alleged police confrontation at a guest house in Montego Bay, on Wednesday.

 

He was one of the parish's most wanted. 

 

Meanwhile, Councillor for the Granville Division, Michael Troupe, who confirmed that he was part of the protest in the community following the killing of Mr. Bowen, has questioned the police's report on the incident.

 

Mr. Troupe, who said he knew the deceased, suggested that the police "murdered the young man innocently". 

 

"The time when he was murdered, he was in his house, under curfew, and they went up there, saw him and they murdered him," the councillor claimed.