Courier lost his life during robbery attempt in St Andrew, Jamaica. A bearer working at a well-known financial institution lost his life during an attempted robbery on Friday afternoon. Reportedly, the barbaric act unfolded along Half-Way Tree Road, St Andrew, Jamaica.
Authorities identified the deceased couirier as Lawrence Kessna, 68, from Phase 2, Seaview Gardens in St Andrew.
According to Observer Online, at approximately 1:20 PM, Kessna visited a bank to cash a check valued at $10 million. He was acting on behalf of his employer.
Upon leaving the bank, a man attacked Kessna and tried to wresle the grey knapsack with the money from him.
A struggle occurred, and when the robber failed to take courier Kessna’s bag, he opened fire. He hit Kessna in the upper body.
The frustrated robber escaped empty handed on a waiting motorcycle.
A police team responded and transported Kessna to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), where a doctor pronounced him deceased.
Hospital authorities handed over courier Kessna’s knapsack to the police.
Meanwhile, the head of Area Four police, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, expressed condolences to the family, friends, and business community affected by the homicide. Additionally, he asserted that the Jamaica Constabulary Force strongly condemns this brazen act of violence.
“We will not allow criminals to turn our commercial centers into hunting grounds. My instructions are for sustained high visibility operations across the space which will serve to disrupt, deter and apprehend the persons who are likely to perpetrate these acts.”
Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps
Phipps revealed that financial centers will be key focus areas as the police conduct investigations. This includes examining forensic evidence, and working with the business community and other stakeholders.
“We continue to urge business operators to ensure strong security measures when transporting especially large amounts of cash. The JCF continues to alert and advise persons doing large financial transactions and transporting large sums of cash to contact the police who are more than willing to assist, free of charge and I repeat free of charge.”
Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps
Assistant Commissioner Phipps expressed unwavering confidence in the JCF’s dedication to restoring order and public trust. He said the JCF is fully committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible, and we remain steadfast in our efforts!