One of alleged Spalding supermarket robbers flees hospital, manhunt launched

One of the four men who began live streaming on TikTok after they were cornered by the security forces inside a Clarendon supermarket they allegedly tried to rob has escaped from custody, the police have confirmed.

His name is being withheld because it is unclear if he has been charged with any crime.

The alleged robber was being guarded by the police at the Kingston Public Hospital where he was being treated for injuries which the police say were sustained during an exchange of gunfire with armed men who attempted to rob a supermarket in Spalding.

Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps, head of the Kingston Western Police Division, said the initial report indicated that he escaped through a bathroom window.

“We are not sure, exactly, of all the circumstances surrounding it…the officers basically are saying he requested to use the restroom and he used the opportunity to go through the window,” Phipps told The Gleaner on Tuesday.

The Police High Command has since launched an investigation “to determine what action should be taken around the persons who were responsible for guarding him,” Phipps disclosed.

“The investigation is going on and whatsoever action is to be taken will be taken.”

In the meantime, Phipps said a manhunt is under way to recapture the alleged robber.

It's reported that on December 8 four men who were allegedly part of a group of robbers locked themselves inside the storeroom of the Spalding supermarket as cops moved in to foil an attempted robbery.

It resulted in a stand-off and during negotiations with responding cops at least one of the alleged robbers went live on TikTok from the handle @red_one766 and pleaded with cops to spare their lives.

- Livern Barrett / Corey Robinson

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