The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has reported that several high schools, including Kingston College and Campion College in the Corporate Area, received hoax bomb threats on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. However, they treat every bomb threat with utmost seriousness.
Law enforcement officials have noted that the pattern of these threats is consistent with those seen in other regional jurisdictions, such as the recent incidents in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the police disclosed that the perpetrators of the bomb threats in the Turks and Caicos Islands had indicated intentions to orchestrate similar events in other Caribbean nations, particularly Jamaica.
The JCF has stated, “Several schools and other public offices nationwide have been affected by the widespread reporting of bomb threats. Although all threats have been baseless, the JCF takes each one seriously and acts with thorough diligence. The safety and security of our society, especially our children and educational staff, is paramount.”
Moreover, the JCF collaborates with school administrators and local authorities to implement proper safety measures.
The police also urge school officials to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious activities or threats to the JCF through the Police Emergency number at 119.
Man arrested after allegedly brandishing a gun in an argument.
ST JAMES, Jamaica—A 37-year-old man, identified as Courtney Brown, also known as ‘Blacks’, a laborer from Burnt Ground, Spring Mount in St James, has been indicted by the police.
He faces charges of assault at common law, possession of a prohibited weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. According to the police report, an altercation between Brown and a woman escalated when he allegedly brandished a gun, threatened the woman, and then struck her in the face during a scuffle.
After the incident, a report was filed with the police, leading to an investigation and Brown’s arrest. His court appearance is pending.
Police charge a bar operator with the possession of a firearm.
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—A bar operator from Goshen District in St Elizabeth has been charged by the police for breaches of the Firearms Act after a loaded Glock pistol was seized at his home on May 4, 2024.
Dwayne Barrett, aged 38, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorized possession of ammunition.
Law enforcement officers conducted a search and seizure operation at Barrett’s home around 6:20 p.m. During the search, they discovered a Glock 40 pistol with a magazine containing nine rounds of ammunition concealed in a concrete block.
Barrett has been arrested and charged, and his court appearance date is pending.
Fatality and Detainment Following Altercation at St. James Construction Site.
ST JAMES, Jamaica—A fatal altercation occurred at a construction site in Rose Heights, St James, on Monday afternoon, May 6, 2024, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old Mason, Cedno Edmondson, also known as ‘Twelvie’, from Beirut in Rose Heights, and the apprehension of a 19-year-old suspect from the same community.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident transpired around 3:34 p.m. when a dispute arose between the two men over a bottle of rum at the construction site. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Edmondson attempted to strike the suspect with a shovel, prompting the suspect to retrieve a knife from his nearby residence.
Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, the dispute continued, resulting in the suspect sustaining injuries to his hand and eye. At the same time, Edmondson tragically suffered fatal stab wounds to his abdomen and neck. Despite efforts by hospital officials, Edmondson succumbed to his injuries, and the suspect subsequently surrendered to the Mount Salem Police.
The investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing.
Teen Arrested After Loaded Gun Found Under His Pillow.
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica—A teenager was arrested on Monday, May 6, 2024, after police discovered a firearm in his residence within the Barracks Road area of Whithorn, Westmoreland.
The police withheld the suspect’s name until formal charges were made, but they disclosed that he is an 18-year-old air conditioning technician.
The police reported that approximately at 3:00 p.m., officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home for illegal firearms and ammunition.
In the course of searching the suspect’s bedroom, officers found an M&P Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, equipped with a magazine loaded with five 9mm rounds and one spent shell, concealed under a pillow on his bed.
Following the discovery, the suspect was apprehended and held at the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station as investigations continue.