‘We will get them’ – Supt. of police sends message to men who shot MoBay cop

Western Bureau:

Superintendent Vernon Ellis, the commanding officer for the St James police, is sounding a warning to the men who shot and seriously injured a policeman in Norwood yesterday morning.

“We are not going to ask them to turn themselves in; that is a choice they will have to make,” said Ellis, in reacting to the shooting of Constable Brandon Murray. “We have three persons of interest out there and we intend to get them, so the choice as to what they do is entirely up to them.”

Murray, who lives in the troubled Norwood community in St James, was attacked by thugs who opened fire on him. Despite being injured, the cop managed to return fire as the attackers retreated and made good their escape.

Last line of defence

“He was shot in the chest and shoulder. We believe one of his attackers was also shot,” said Ellis. “When criminals attack the police, they are attacking the State’s last line of defence, so needless to say, the people are expecting a response from the police, and we are not going to disappoint them.”

According to reports, about 9:10 a.m., the policeman was walking in an area known as Docatone Square in the Hollywood section of Norwood when he was attacked.

“I heard a barrage of shots and people a run, so I tek off, too. I run into my house, too, and is under di bed mi find myself with mi pickney dem,” a male resident told The Gleaner. “Mi sick and tired a di shooting … . Enough is enough, a time fi it stop.”

Lamenting the brazen attack on his colleague, Ellis urged the residents to remain calm and support the efforts of the police to rid the various communities of criminals.

“This is bad in the holy season of Easter, but I find comfort in Romans 13 verse 4 (But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil,”) said Ellis.

arian.frater@gleanerjm.com