INDECOM probes triple fatality in Westmoreland

Western Bureau:

Superintendent David White, commanding officer for the Westmoreland police division, is warning would-be lawbreakers to desist from their activities or face the full force of the law, even as the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has begun a probe into Friday's fatal police shootings in that parish.

The commander's comments came after three of four men who allegedly engaged the police at the scene of a break-in at a local supermarket were shot dead in Savanna-la-Mar early Friday morning. The cops responded to a call from security guards requesting assistance.

"I want to appeal to the civilians here in this parish. You cannot continue harbouring criminals in your space. You need to give them up. Mothers, sisters, girlfriends must no longer continue washing the blood-stained clothes of these men and expect peace and

safety," White said.

The deceased are yet to be identified, while the fourth member of the group allegedly involved in the break-in is on the run. He has been identified as Ryan Johnson of a Hudson Street, Savanna-la-Mar address and has been on the police radar for some time, according to White.

"If anyone knows of his whereabouts, please give this information to the police," said White.

The incident brings to six the number of police killings from four incidents in Westmoreland since the year began.