St Mary Man Shot, Escapes From Hospital – Police Launch Massive Manhunt

St Mary, Jamaica (Mckoy’s News)  : The St Mary police have launched an intense manhunt for 29-year-old Herbie “Junior” Ballentine, who managed to escape from custody while receiving treatment at hospital — after he was shot by police during a reported attack on lawmen in the parish last week.

Reports reaching Mckoy’s News are that Ballentine, who hails from the Frazerwood district, was being held under police guard when he overpowered cops and personnel from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) on Friday evening, October 3.

According to investigators, around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, a police team responded to noise complaints at a bar in Frazerwood when they heard gunfire coming from another section of the community. The officers went to investigate and stumbled upon a wake in progress.

While at the wake, the police reportedly observed a man acting suspiciously. When they attempted to approach him, he ran off. Subsequent investigations led to the identification of Herbie Ballentine as the man who had fled.

Later that night, police conducted an operation at a house in the area, where Ballentine allegedly attacked one of the officers with a knife. He was shot, subdued, and taken into custody, before being transported to hospital for treatment under police watch.

While at the hospital, Ballentine was interviewed by INDECOM investigators and was supposed to sign a statement. However, police say around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, when his handcuffs were removed so he could sign, he overpowered the officers and escaped.

Lawmen launched a search of the hospital compound and surrounding areas, but Ballentine was not found.

Police are urging Ballentine to turn himself in immediately, warning that harbouring an escapee is a serious offence. Residents of Port Maria, Highgate, and nearby communities are being asked to be on high alert and to contact the Port Maria Police Station at 876-994-9873 if they spot anyone matching his description.

Meanwhile, during the earlier operation at Ballentine’s house, another man was taken into custody, and three imitation firearms were reportedly seized. That investigation is ongoing.

Mckoy’s News will continue to follow this developing story.