Burglary suspect shot by police in St Catherine

A 28-year-old burglary suspect was shot and injured by the police after he allegedly assaulted an officer during an encounter in Lauriston, St Catherine on Wednesday. 

Reports are that about 12:30 a.m., a policeman was at his home in Greendale when he heard loud banging coming from a neighbouring house. He reportedly went outside to investigate and observed two men - one fled, while the other was at the gate on a bicycle.

The policeman reportedly identified himself, prompting the man on the bicycle to ride away. Shortly after, the officer heard a sound resembling a gunshot from the direction in which the cyclist fled, while the second suspect escaped on foot.

The policeman pursued the cyclist and caught up with him in the vicinity of Kim Drive, Lauriston. The suspect reportedly dismounted the bicycle and was accosted. During the encounter, he allegedly assaulted the officer, resisted arrest, and reached for his waistband.

The policeman responded and fired his weapon, hitting the suspect in the leg.

The injured man was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was treated and released into police custody.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly pried open a kitchen door at the premises, which is occupied by a senior citizen.

The Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau and the Independent Commission of Investigations have been notified of the incident.

- Rasbert Turner

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.