BIG GUN CATCH
Man killed by cops tagged violence producer as 13 firearms seized in Trelawny
Published:Friday | February 4, 2022 | 12:12 AMHopeton Bucknor/Gleaner Writer
POLICE ARE describing the man at the centre of Thursday’s big gun find in Trelawny as a known “violence producer” who has strong links with criminal gangs in western Jamaica.
The man, 36-year-old Kevin Carpenter, was shot fatally after allegedly pointing a firearm at lawmen during an operation by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Area Two Fugitive Apprehension Team in a gated community in Florence Hall, Trelawny, Thursday morning.
A search of the house resulted in the seizure of 13 illegal weapons, inclusive of 10 high-powered rifles, two submachine guns, and one pistol.
A woman, said to be Carpenter’s common-law wife, and three children were also at the premises when the raid took place.
One senior investigator from Trelawny, who is not authorised to make public statements, informed The Gleaner that the deceased was on the police’s radar for some time.
The senior cop also stated that Carpenter was the brother of a reputed gang leader who operates out of western Jamaica. It is theorised that the guns were to be distributed to those gang members.
Carpenter’s partner was taken into custody and may be charged in connection with the seizure, the officer stated.
He noted that the children have been placed in protective care.
Reacting to the operation and gun find, Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson labelled the deceased a “violence producer” and urged citizens to be wary and to notify the police of when suspicious activity is observed.
“This is our ongoing crackdown on guns, gunmen, and gangs,” the commissioner said. “One known violence producer was shot during the operation and one woman taken into custody.
“Gunmen are moving uptown. They have acquired wealth and are living in gated communities. This is why it is important for persons, even in upscale communities, if you see strange activities, to provide information to the police.”
The scene was also visited by detectives attached to the Falmouth CIB and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
Director of complaints at INDECOM, Errol Chattoo, told The Gleaner that the watchdog has commenced an investigation into the killing.
“INDECOM is probing the circumstances which led to one man being fatally shot by the police after he allegedly pointed an illegal firearm at them at a house in Florence Hall, Trelawny, earlier today,” Chattoo stated.
“Our team has processed the scene and the weapons involved will be sent off to the lab for testing.”