Update | Two named as suspects in Waltham Park Road attack that left soldier dead and cop injured
Published:Wednesday | February 11, 2026 | 1:51 PM
The police have named two men as suspects in the fatal shooting of a soldier and the wounding of a policeman in an attack off Waltham Park Road in St Andrew on Tuesday night.
They have been identified by their aliases, ‘Kim’ and ‘Diddy’, who police say frequent the nearby Boyne’s Road and Kid Lane areas.
Investigators are urging both men to report to the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
The deceased soldier has been identified as 24-year-old Private Daniel Crawford of Spaldings, Clarendon.
The extent of the policeman’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
“We intend to move quickly in this matter to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and to honour the memory of the fallen soldier,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, who is in charge of Police Area 4, told The Gleaner.
The police report that just before 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the policeman and soldier, who were off duty, were in the Stephen Lane area, located off Waltham Park Road, where the soldier had gone to visit a female friend.
Before leaving, the BMW motor car they were travelling in developed mechanical difficulties, and the soldier reportedly left the spot.
Shortly after, the policeman reportedly came under gun attack.
He reportedly challenged his attackers, shooting one of the gunmen, who escaped into the area.
Checks were reportedly made, and the soldier was found dead along a roadway.
He was transported to hospital, where death was confirmed.
The police are continuing their investigations and are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Hunts Bay CIB or the nearest police station.
The St Andrew South Police Division has recorded nine murders as at February 7.
- Andre Williams
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.