St Thomas, Jamaica – The police force has identified the three men who were killed during an early morning gun battle with law enforcement officers in the area of Poor Man’s Corner, St Thomas, on Thursday.
The deceased individuals have been named as 35-year-old Jermaine Chamberlain from Tulip Lane, 22-year-old Joheim McDonald, also known as ‘Jiggs’ and ‘Bebe’, who worked as a warehouse assistant and hailed from Milk Lane, and Damion Fairweather from Pink Lane, all located in Kingston 14.
The altercation began when the men were allegedly attempting to break into a liquor store. A businessman, upon arriving at his establishment, noticed a suspicious vehicle on the premises. His investigation of the situation led to an ambush as men emerged from his business place and fired at him. The businessman returned fire, prompting the suspects to flee the scene in their vehicle.
Police were quickly notified and provided with a description of the getaway car. Officers initiated a pursuit and tracked the vehicle to the Grants Pen community. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers encountered a group of men along with two parked vehicles. The men then opened fire on the police, who responded in kind.
After the exchange of gunfire, the men were discovered with gunshot injuries. They were promptly transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine containing five live rounds from the scene.
This follows other incidents of intense skirmishes and signifies ongoing efforts by law enforcement to maintain security in the area. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) along with police officers, are closely examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.
This development sheds light on the growing concerns around crime in the region and underscores the persistent efforts by the police to curb illegal activities.
