Man Fatally Shot by Police in Grants Pen During Alleged Confrontation

St Andrew, Jamaica – A man was shot and killed by police during an alleged confrontation in Grants Pen, St Andrew, late Monday night. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Gerald Gallimore, otherwise known as ‘Birdie’.

Reports from the police indicate that around 11:30 p.m., officers were conducting an operation along Grants Pen Drive when Gallimore allegedly challenged the lawmen. During what police say was an exchange of gunfire, Gallimore was shot.

He was reportedly found in possession of a Glock pistol fitted with a magazine containing four rounds of ammunition, which was seized at the scene. Gallimore was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident is now under investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which is tasked with probing actions by the security forces.

Gallimore’s death marks the second fatal police shooting in the St Andrew North division in recent days. On Friday, 27-year-old Shaquille ‘Dog Teeth’ Dawkins was fatally shot by police in the 100 Lane area, sparking two days of protest by residents demanding answers.

INDECOM has reiterated its call for the mandatory use of body-worn cameras by police officers, particularly during planned operations, to increase transparency and accountability.

Investigations into both shootings are ongoing.