Jamaica Crime News, St James: An alleged gunman was shot and killed, and an illegal firearm taken from him after he reportedly challenged the police in a shootout, in the Somerton area of St James on Wednesday morning, May 9.
The dead man has been identified as Derrick Stephens, 35-year-old unemployed of Somerton District.
Reports by the police are that about 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday, a team of officers were on Patrol in Somerton District, when they received information that a man was seen at a premises with an illegal firearm.
The lawmen then went to the premises in search of the alleged gunman. On reaching the area, they were in the process of approaching a house, when one man was seen running from the building with a firearm in his hand.
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Upon seeing the lawmen approaching, the man pointed the weapon in the direction of the officers and fired several shots. The fire was returned and the gunman was shot.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the wounded gunman was Stephens. He was found in possession of a .38 Smith and Wesson pistol. Several .38 spent casings were also seen on the ground.
The wounded man was transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
By Henry Bucknor