Commish on spot for police crackdown in Tryall Heights
Published:Tuesday | August 6, 2024 | 12:13 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
In a dramatic turn of events on Monday afternoon, a surprise visit by Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake and his team led to the apprehension of two men at premises in Tryall Heights, St Catherine.
The site had become a hotbed of criminal activity, with a notorious lookout post atop a two-storey building.
The police commissioner’s visit came a day after a fierce shootout between the security forces and a member of the One Order Gang, resulting in the deaths of gang member Zimroy Geddes and his associates, Akeel Hayles and Jervis Barrett.
Senior Superintendent of Police Hopeton Nicholson, commander of the St Catherine North police, revealed that the two men picked up during Monday’s visit will be processed to determine if they are involved in any criminal activities.
“The men were not expecting to see us after yesterday’s operation, so they were surprised,” Nicholson told The Gleaner. “They were unable to account for themselves and their reason for being at the premises, so we took them in and will process them to see if they are featured in any criminal activities.”
The operation’s catalyst, Geddes, who was killed on Sunday, was suspected of multiple murders and shootings. Hayles, 21, and of a Seaforth, St Thomas address, was wanted on charges of arson and malicious destruction of property, while Barrett, 33, of Tryall Heights, was a hospital worker.
Barrett’s death shocked many, including his co-workers. One colleague, requesting anonymity, expressed disbelief.
“We never know him involve like that. Him have two kids. Now him gone left them,” the colleague said.
Hayles had issued a chilling threat on social media, writing, “a 32 inna mi clip 15 fi JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) and 17 fi celebration, money done pon gun and obeah”.
Nicholson also addressed concerns about the police’s focus on gang activity, emphasising their impartiality.
“We are a professional police and we go after gangs regardless of their affiliation,” he stated, citing a recent incident involving members of the Klansman Gang.
He urged other wanted individuals to surrender peacefully, warning them against resisting arrest.
As the investigation continues, Nicholson said the police have taken a firm stance against gang violence in St Catherine.