Man fatally shot, soldier wounded in hunt for fugitive
Security forces say migrant criminals finding refuge in Mountain View
Published:Tuesday | November 28, 2023 | 12:11 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter -
THE JAMAICA Defence Force (JDF) said an escapee and other migrant criminals affiliated with the One Order Gang in St Catherine were given a safe haven in sections of Mountain View Avenue in St Andrew since the imposing of a state of emergency.
The security measure, which gives the security forces extra powers, was declared in St Catherine last week as well as in Clarendon and the western parishes of Hanover and St James.
The Gleaner understands that Monday’s predawn security operation by the Joint Anti-Gang Taskforce (JAGTF), which reportedly resulted in a shootout, leaving one man dead and two members of the security forces nursing injuries, was in search of prime target Demar ‘Baby Killa’ Williams.
The fugitive is one of eight prisoners who escaped from the Black River Police Station lock-up on June 18, 2023.
Williams is also a suspect in a double murder investigation.
The security forces said that during the search of premises on Mountain View Avenue, some time after 3 a.m., they came under gunfire and fire was returned.
When the shooting subsided, a man – later identified as 32-year-old Nevarn Edwards – was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Residents of Jarrett Lane and adjoining Saunders Avenue mounted a fiery protest Monday morning, resulting in a section of the busy Mountain View Avenue corridor being blocked for moments.
“Since his (Williams’) escape, information received is that he has been reportedly hiding out within communities affiliated with the One Order Gang, based in St Catherine,” a statement from the JDF said on Monday.
It added: “Due to the state of emergency that has been imposed in St Catherine, Williams and other One Order gang members were provided with safe haven in the Mountain View community.”
The JDF also suggests that Williams is a very close associate of a prominent One Order gang member, who also frequents the Mountain View community.
The JDF says it remains relentless in the joint pursuit of gunmen and criminals and the maintenance of law and order.
The JAGTF is also encouraging the residents to support rather than obstruct the deployed personnel, as they continue operations in Mountain View and other communities.
Residents alleged they were physically abused by members of the security forces.
Some of the clashes have been captured on cell phone recordings.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has taken note of the incidents and commenced a probe. It said the firearms used in the operation will be seized and boxed. A family liaison officer will also be dispatched to meet with the family of Edwards.
Meanwhile, the police say their operations in the area will continue.