Three dead in dramatic police shoot-out

In a dramatic turn of events early Sunday morning, law enforcement officials took down three men, including a notorious member of the One Order Gang, in a high-stakes shootout in St Catherine.

The confrontation, which occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the Tryall Heights area, involved members of the Area Five Fugitive Apprehension Team and their Special Operations counterparts from the St Catherine North and South police divisions, backed by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

Zimroy Geddes, also known as ‘Zim’, was one of the men fatally shot. Geddes, a well-known figure on the St Catherine police radar, was wanted for several murders and other violent crimes. He was prominently featured last Wednesday on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Wanted Wednesday Page.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay of the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force said, “The other two persons we are still trying to confirm their identities. One of them we are still waiting for some verification to determine if he was wanted in St Thomas on murder charges.”

The police reported that the men had established a sophisticated operation at the hillside dwelling, complete with a sentry to monitor the movements of the security forces.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips commented on the tactical success of the operation, saying “it was the tactical approach of the security forces that gave them the advantage”.

As the authorities approached from two sides, the men reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gunfight. Three firearms were recovered from the scene, one of which was found during the processing of the crime scene. Unfortunately, one officer sustained a minor injury during the operation, but it was not considered life-threatening.

Residents and hospital staff were left in shock as the bodies were brought to the Spanish Town Hospital, where the men were pronounced dead. A porter, who requested anonymity, revealed to The Gleaner that one of the deceased was a colleague from the hospital.

As the police continue their investigation, they urge community members to remain vigilant.

“One of the things we want to say to these community members is, be watchful in your communities; persons are moving in under disguise because they are moving out of the areas where the police have continued to carry out operations,” said Phillips.

According to Phillips, the operation underscored the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gang-related violence and bring dangerous criminals to justice in the Area Five space.

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