Policeman killed during gas station robbery in St Andrew

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is mourning the death of a policeman who was fatally shot last night during an armed robbery at the Texaco gas station located at the intersection of East and Beechwood Avenues in St Andrew.

Corporal Christopher Smith, 47, who was attached to the Kingston West Division, was off-duty at the time of the incident.

Reports are that about 10:54 he unknowingly drove onto the scene of the robbery at the gas station.

One of the five armed gunmen immediately approached his vehicle, opened the driver's door, saw his firearm, and opened fire at him.

The policeman was shot, relieved of his firearm, and the men escaped in a vehicle resembling a taxi.

Members of the public assisted Smith to the hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

When The Gleaner visited the scene this morning, staff at the location were still visibly shaken.

The robbers held up some of the pump attendants outside and took cash. They also held up and robbed the cashier inside.

The St Andrew Central police are investigating the incident.

- Andre Williams

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