Three men killed by police following liquor store robbery in St. Thomas

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

Three men believed to be from West Kingston addresses are dead, while three of their cronies are on the run following a robbery in St. Thomas early on Thursday morning.

 

According to police reports, about 4 a.m., a group of men travelling in two cars robbed a liquor store in Poor Man's Corner in the parish.

 

The owner of the establishment, who was on the scene, told Radio Jamaica News that he was at home when he got a call that his shop was open earlier than normal. 

 

"When I come out here, I come out and saw the police, and I was told I can't go inside the building because the person or persons that was trying to break into the establishment, shot was fired," he recounted, adding: "I'm just here now trying to see what will happen, based upon the report from the police." 

 

Commanding Officer for the Area 5 police, Senior Superintendent Christopher Phillips, said the police arrived at the scene quickly and pursued the alleged robbers into the Grants Pen community. 

 

"When they entered the Grants Pen community, they saw a group of men; two vehicles were parked along the roadway. They fired at the police, the police team took evasive action, [and] returned fire." 

 

At the end of the shooting, two men were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead. 

 

The police say a 9mm pistol, with one magazine and five live rounds, was taken from the scene. 

 

The Independent Commission of Investigations is probing the incident.

 

It's unclear whether the men were able to successfully remove items from the establishment. 

 

SSP Phillips noted that there has been an increase in break-ins in the parish, with 12 more incidents than reported in the same period last year. 

 

But he believes "good coordination and response by the business operators and the police" will help resolve to the situation. 

 

Lamenting that criminals have become "so empowered to try and take on the police forces", the Area 5 Police chief said the authorities will not fold as they work to nab criminals in St. Thomas. 

 

"It is not going to be business as usual because we are not going to let up this side," he warned.