KINGSTON, Jamaica — Several police personnel narrowly escaped injury after a police team came under heavy gunfire in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston, on Sunday.
There were no reported gunshot injuries, but one of the lawmen injured his legs after jumping from a mobile unit to avoid being hit by bullets.
Reports indicate that around 6:45 am, the police were on mobile patrol when they responded to a radio transmission of gunshots being fired in Tivoli Gardens.
Upon arriving in the community, the team disembarked from the unit and proceeded on foot to Tivoli Courts, where a group of people were gathered as if a party had just ended.
Enquiries were made, and nothing was found. The team and other members who had joined them returned to the units and embarked on a flag march starting from Bustamante Highway.
The police stated that upon arriving at Fong Yee Terrace, the team observed a man acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion. The man looked in the direction of the units and ran off.
Members of the team gave chase and, upon reaching the intersection of Fong Yee Terrace and Zacky Avenue, they reportedly encountered a group of about eight other men, all armed with guns.
It is alleged that the men opened fire at the police. One of the cops reportedly returned the gunfire. A constable who injured his legs while jumping from one of the units was later treated at hospital.
Police investigators say the attackers were all members of the Tivoli Young Generation gang.
The police believe the risk of further attacks from the gang is high, and that given its ruthless history and high propensity for violence, lawmen should be on high alert when patrolling the Tivoli Gardens community.