Alleged car thief fatally shot by police in St Catherine

A man who allegedly confronted the police after being found in possession of a stolen Toyota Crown motor car was fatally shot in Sunnyside district, St Catherine today.

The deceased remains unidentified.

Reports are that around 2:00 p.m., police in St Catherine North received information that a Toyota Crown motor car, which had been reported stolen, was seen in the Guys Hill area.

While searching for the vehicle, the police intercepted a Toyota Voxy, suspected to be travelling in tandem with the stolen car.

The two male occupants of the Voxy allegedly admitted to the police that they were piloting the Toyota Crown.

The men reportedly made a phone call, after which the driver of the Crown arrived at their location.

As he was met by the men from the Voxy, the police appeared on the scene, prompting the Crown driver to flee towards nearby bushes.

He was pursued by the police, while the two men from the Voxy were taken into custody.

During the chase, the driver of the stolen vehicle reportedly drew a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the police.

He was subsequently shot and injured by the police.

According to the police, a .38 revolver with three rounds of ammunition and three spent shells were seized from him.

He was assisted to the Linstead Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is probing the fatal shooting.

- Rasbert Turner

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