COMMISSIONER of Police, Owen Ellington, says he and the entire police force are saddened by the unfortunate death of Corporal Vincent Bent from the Police Area 5 Headquarters yesterday.

Bent drowned in the Rio Cobre after falling in a deep section of the river during a chase of gunmen in Gordon Pen, St Catherine.

“It is a really sad time for the Jamaica Constabulary Force and its auxiliaries especially given the circumstances under which Corporal Bent died. To the end Corporal Bent displayed great courage and a willingness to perform his duties beyond the call of duty. I praise his bravery and I praise his commitment to the cause of protecting his country. The actions of Corporal Bent and the rest of the team are to be emulated by other members,” Ellington said.

Bent's body was fished from the river by a team of divers who spent most of yesterday searching the turbulent river. Another cop who fell in the river with Bent after the river bank crumbled, was hauled out alive and admitted to hospital in stable condition.

One of the gunmen was also held and handed over to police by citizens.

“I extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this brave policeman and wish for those injured a speedy recovery,” he said.

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Cop falls into Rio Cobre, drowns while chasing gunmen