The Jamaica Constabulary Force has confiscated a sub-machine gun from a seven-year-old on the premises of a school in St. Elizabeth. According to the police, this was announced on their social media accounts on Thursday afternoon.
It is understood that the 7-year-old informed investigators that the weapon belonged to his father. Head of St Elizabeth police, Superintendent Coleridge Minto, has confirmed that the child and a parent have been taken to the Black River police station.
However, he has refrained from disclosing more details due to the sensitivity of the case and the age of the child involved.
Notably, the gun is inscribed with the initials “JE”. The matter has been referred to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, CPFSA. This discovery comes shortly after the seizure of over 800 rounds of ammunition in St. Elizabeth less than two weeks ago.
Convicted Airport Employee Arrested Fleeing Country for Drug Charges.
The authorities apprehended a man convicted of drug-related offenses and awaiting sentencing at Sangster International Airport on Thursday. Law enforcement said the convict attempted to flee the island on an American passport.
The convict, Kimauly Hoyles, 38, an airport employee from Patrick City, St Andrew, was found guilty of multiple drug-related charges by a Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court judge.
The charges included possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine, and possession of criminal property.
These charges stemmed from the seizure of over $2 billion worth of cocaine at the Norman Manley International Airport on December 10, 2020.
After the guilty verdict on May 30, 2024, the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court had scheduled his sentencing for Thursday, September 12. When Hoyles did not show up for court as expected, the judge issued a bench order for his arrest.
He was later arrested at the Sangster International Airport by FNID agents as he attempted to flee the country.
Officials said Hoyles had an American passport with a name different from his airport employment records and earlier criminal charges.
Hoyles remains in police custody pending further investigation and a new date for sentencing.
Accused Individual Faces Charges in Connection to Overseas Job Scam.
Police charged a suspect, accused of defrauding a woman of nearly $200,000 through an overseas work program scam. He faces a charge of obtaining money under false pretenses.
The police report that the suspect, Leon Williams, 55, from Maggotty, St Elizabeth, was introduced to the victim in St Catherine by a relative.
In April 2024, the victim allegedly paid Williams J$80,000 and US$ 300 for immigration approval, plus J$35,000 for a 10-year work permit.
The victim grew suspicious when Williams did not set a date for a required medical examination.
After Williams did not return the funds, the victim reported the matter to the police. The officers launched an investigation that led to Williams’ arrest.
Reportedly, the accused made a caution statement to the police at the time of his indictment.
His court appearance date is pending.
Fatal Gun Attack in Lowe River, Trelawny: Man Killed and Another Injured.
Trelawny authorities are investigating a firearm assault that occurred in Lowe River on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of one man and injury of another.
Reportedly, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the individuals stopped at a local store and posed as customers. As they returned to their vehicle, the assailants unleashed gunfire, striking both victims.
Tragically, one of the men believed to be in his 40s, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other was transported to the hospital for admission.
This incident marks the 18th recorded homicide in Trelawny this year.