According to ACP McKenzie, head of the JCF’s Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), at least five Jamaicans tragically lost their lives in road crashes over the Christmas weekend.
McKenzie stressed that alcohol consumption and improper road usage were two major contributing factors to these fatal accidents.
In one incident, a police officer was among the two individuals who lost their lives in the Richmond area of St. Ann on Christmas Eve. The deceased officer was identified as Corporal Hampton Russell of the St. Ann Police Division.
It was reported that Corporal Russell was driving a Nissan Lefesta motorcar with another individual on board on Sunday evening when they collided with a Toyota Axio motorcar. Both Russell and the other occupant were rushed to the hospital, where they were sadly pronounced dead. The driver of the Toyota Axio is reportedly in a serious condition.
ACP McKenzie passionately implored motorists to reduce speed and adhere to the rules of the road.
Tragically, the toll of lives lost in road crashes in Jamaica has surpassed 400 since the beginning of 2023.
Fisherman killed in bar dispute in Westmoreland.
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A fisherman from Westmoreland tragically lost his life after being shot by an unidentified assailant during a dispute at a bar in Retreat, Little London, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2023.
The deceased has been identified by authorities as Jemar Rankine, 33, a respected member of the community.
According to the police, at approximately 12:30 a.m., an altercation arose between Rankine and another patron at a local bar in the area.
In the midst of the confrontation, witnesses heard gunshots, following which Rankine fled from the bar before collapsing on the roadside.
Members of the community discovered Rankine with a gunshot wound to his chest and rushed him to the hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Savanna-La-Mar police are currently conducting an investigation into the shooting.
Hoodlums shot pedal a cyclist multiple times in Old Harbour Bay.
On Christmas night, December 25, 2023, the police responded to Bourkefield in Old Habor Bay, St Catherine, where unknown assailants shot a pedal cyclist several times.
According to the authorities, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the individual was riding along a dirt track towards Bourkefield when they were ambushed by three assailants, who proceeded to shoot the victim multiple times, including in the abdomen. The perpetrators then fled the scene on foot.
The injured individual was promptly transported to the Spanish Town Hospital by bystanders and is currently receiving medical care.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement discovered several spent casings, initiating a comprehensive investigation by the Old Harbor Criminal Investigation Branch. The injured party remains hospitalized while the investigation continues.
Police arrested six after finding a gun and ammo in Probox in Bull Bay.
Police in the Kingston Eastern Division made six arrests on Monday, December 25, 2023, following the discovery of an Arcus 9mm pistol with a magazine containing two 9mm cartridges during a traffic stop along the Bull Bay main road.
According to the official report, at approximately 12:37 p.m., a group of law enforcement officials intercepted a white Toyota Probox motor car carrying six men.
Following a thorough search of the vehicle and its occupants, the firearm and ammunition were uncovered in the front passenger door of the car.
The police took the six suspects into custody, refraining from disclosing their identities as further investigations are underway.