Man charged in fatal shooting of policeman during gas station robbery

The police have charged 32-year-old Ornell Allen, otherwise called ‘Nellie’, a taxi operator of Westmore Gardens, Spanish Town, St Catherine, in relation to the shooting death of a policeman at a gas station during a robbery in St Andrew last December.

Allen is charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, robbery with aggravation (6 counts), possession of prohibited weapon, and unauthorized possession of ammunition.

Killed was 47-year-old police corporal Christopher Smith of Caymanas Bay, St Catherine.

The incident happened at a gas station located at the intersection of East Avenue and Beechwood Avenue in St Andrew on December 6, 2024.

It is reported that Allen and his accomplices were carrying out a brazen robbery at the gas station, during which Smith drove his private motor car to the location to purchase fuel, unknowingly entering an active robbery scene.

While he waited, he was attacked, robbed, and shot several times.

Smith was transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while being treated.

An investigation was launched, and Allen was later apprehended and found to be in possession of the Toyota Wish motor car that was used in the commission of the crime, according to the police.

He was subsequently charged following a question-and-answer session.

His court date is being finalised.

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