Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Phillips has issued a plea to wanted individuals and persons of interest to surrender peacefully and avoid engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement. This appeal follows the fatal shooting of three men by security forces in Tryall Heights, St Catherine, early yesterday morning.
The Incident
The confrontation occurred around 5:30 a.m. when a police-military team conducted an operation at a premises in Tryall Heights. According to the police, the team was met with gunfire and returned fire, resulting in the deaths of three men. A police officer was also injured during the shootout and has been hospitalized.
Seized Weapons and Identities
During the operation, the police recovered two illegal firearms and a quantity of ammunition. Among the deceased was Zimoy Geddes, also known as ‘Zim’, who was recently listed on the St Catherine police’s most wanted list. Geddes was associated with the Spanish Town-based One Order gang and was wanted for multiple murders and shootings. The identities of the other two individuals killed in the operation have not yet been disclosed.
ACP Phillips’ Appeal
ACP Phillips emphasized the importance of peaceful surrender to avoid such deadly encounters. He encouraged family members to persuade their loved ones who are wanted by the police to turn themselves in. This approach is aimed at reducing violence and ensuring the safety of both law enforcement officers and the public.
“We prefer that they surrender peacefully and we are appealing for that. That is why we go ahead and publish these persons’ names on wanted lists. We are also appealing to family members to encourage them to turn themselves in to the police,” Phillips stated.
Broader Context
The incident in Tryall Heights underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in tackling gang-related violence and illegal firearms. The police continue to carry out operations to apprehend wanted individuals and dismantle criminal networks, but these operations often result in violent clashes.
By urging peaceful surrender, the police hope to mitigate the risks associated with these confrontations and promote a safer environment for all.
This appeal from ACP Phillips is part of a broader strategy to address crime and violence in Jamaica, highlighting the need for cooperation between the police, the individuals they seek, and the communities they operate in.
