Suspect in slaying of policeman during gas station robbery held at airport

The police say one of the suspects implicated in the murder of Corporal Christopher Smith on Friday night was arrested at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on Wednesday.

The police say his identity is being withheld as the investigation continues.

Smith was fatally shot during an armed robbery at the Texaco gas station located at the intersection of East and Beechwood Avenues in St Andrew.

The 47-year-old corporal, who was attached to the Kingston West Division, was off duty at the time of the incident.

Reports are that about 10:54 p.m. he unknowingly drove onto the scene of the robbery at the gas station.

One of the five armed gunmen immediately approached his vehicle, opened the driver's door, saw his firearm, and opened fire at him.

The policeman was shot, relieved of his firearm, and the men escaped in a vehicle resembling a taxi.

Members of the public assisted Smith to the hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

The robbers held up some of the pump attendants outside and took cash. They also held up and robbed the cashier inside.

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