Arrest and Charges Laid in Kidnapping and Robbery Case in Portland
Three individuals have been arrested and formally charged in connection with the kidnapping and robbery of two tourists in December 2023.
Charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery, breaches of the Law Reform Act, and breaches of the Cybercrime Act are: 24-year-old Sandre Phipps, a waiter from Land Settlement in Port Antonio; 28-year-old Davian Henry, a taxi operator; and 22-year-old Rolando Thomas, all of Sherwood Forest.
According to the police report, the incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2023, when the couple was at Winifred Beach in Fairy Hill and sought shelter from the rain. Subsequently, they entered a taxi bound for Port Antonio. During the journey, the driver diverted from the route to a secluded area near the Folly Ruins.
The police stated that masked men, armed with knives, emerged from the bushes and robbed the couple of their cash in Jamaican and American currencies, banking cards, cell phones, and a go-pro.
Furthermore, the perpetrators held the couple captive and coerced the male victim to contact his mother, who then transferred US$2,026 to one of the abductors via Cash App, according to the police report.
Following the ordeal, the robbers released the couple, who promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
The men were apprehended after an investigation, and charges were subsequently filed against them.
The accused are awaiting their court date.
Investigation Launched into Fatal Shooting at Illegal Cockfight
Detectives from the Old Harbor Police Department in St. Catherine have commenced an investigation into the shooting death of a local resident at an illicit cockfight in the inland bushes of Old Harbor on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The deceased, identified as Devon Gallimore, aged 56 and a licensed firearm holder, resided in Davis District, Old Harbor, St. Catherine, and New Bowen, Clarendon.
Authorities have reported that Gallimore’s firearm has yet to be located.
According to police reports, Gallimore left the crowd gathered to watch the cockfight after receiving a phone call. Shortly thereafter, attendees at the unlawful event heard gunshots.
On investigating, patrons found Gallimore in the bushes with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The Old Harbour police are actively investigating this tragic incident.