On the morning of December 21, 2023, at approximately 3:45 a.m., an intense confrontation unfolded on Foga Road in Four Paths, Clarendon, as three suspected robbers clashed with the police in a violent exchange of gunfire. Tragically, one of the perpetrators lost his life during the altercation.
An individual suspected of being involved in a robbery lost his life during a shootout with law enforcement at 3:45 a.m. on Thursday on Foga Road, Four Paths in Clarendon.
The deceased has been identified by authorities as 31-year-old Gayle Laurie Paton, hailing from Porus, Manchester.
According to Superintendent Carlos Russell, who heads the Clarendon Police Division, the deceased was part of a group of men involved in the theft of a motor vehicle in the Manchester Division. A joint team from Manchester and Clarendon intercepted them, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire in which one man was fatally shot while the other two managed to escape.
Prior to the incident, the police had received a report of an armed robbery involving the theft of a blue 2008 Toyota Hiace bus.
The vehicle owner provided its location to the authorities, who subsequently traced the vehicle to Clarendon Park, Toll Gate, Clarendon. A confrontation followed, resulting in a shootout between the police and the robbers.
Superintendent Russell warned criminals sternly, emphasizing that there would be no safe haven in Clarendon or Manchester for those engaging in criminal activities.
He further stated that law enforcement would be intensifying their efforts to apprehend wrongdoers.
Arrest Made After Illegal Firearm and Ammunition Seized in Clarendon.
In an operation on the night of December 20, 2023, the Clarendon police apprehended two sisters and a taxi driver following the discovery of an illegal firearm and ammunition in the Longwood district, Race Course, Clarendon.
The accused have been identified as 28-year-old Shanel Francis, a bartender from Savannah, Hayes; 25-year-old Shantel Francis, a laborer from Water Lane; and 40-year-old Peter Francis, also known as ‘Rando,’ a taxi driver from Longwood district in Race Course, Clarendon.
Law enforcement officials reported that around 11:30 p.m., a police team was conducting a spot check in the Race Course community when the driver of a grey Toyota Probox attempted to evade the checkpoint.
Upon intercepting the vehicle, a Glock pistol with nine rounds of ammunition was discovered on the floor during a search of the vehicle.
The individuals traveling in the Probox were apprehended by the police and are currently in custody as the investigation continues.