Police in St Ann yesterday fatally shot one of five men who robbed patrons and proprietors at two business establishments in Cave Valley, St Ann, then engaged the lawmen in a gun battle at Bohemia district in the parish. A firearm was also taken from the deceased. Another was disarmed of his firearm, which was later handed over to the police. Three of the robbers were taken into police custody.

The dead man, identified only as 'Pepe', is of a Kingston address. The names of those in custody have been withheld pending an identification parade.

Struggle developed

Police reports are that shortly after 9:00 on Tuesday night, five men armed with guns and knives went to a shop at Borobridge district, where they robbed the proprietor of an undetermined sum of cash and jewellery. The gunmen then went to another shop at Cuffie Ridge district, where they also robbed the owner and patrons, of an undetermined amount of money.

During the robbery, a struggle developed between the gunmen and the patrons, who managed to disarmed one of a Westhurley .45 pistol. The hoodlums escaped in a waiting motor car. The police were summoned and the firearm handed over to them. Three of the patrons who had received stab wounds were taken to hospital where they were admitted in stable condition.

Special operation

At 4 a.m. yesterday, a team of police carried out a special operation in Cave Valley. The team was greeted with gunfire as they approached a house in Bohemia district. The fire was returned and a group of men ran from the building, still firing at the lawmen. When the shooting subsided, a search was conducted, and one of the men was found suffering from gunshot wounds. A 9mm Beretta pistol - serial number erased - with five rounds of ammunition was taken from the injured man. He was taken to the Percy Junor Hospital where he was pronounced dead.