Western Bureau: Junior Reid of Hopewell in Hanover, who allegedly robbed a taxi operator and engaged the police in a shootout, was hospitalised under police guard Thursday after being severely beaten by Mount Salem residents.

The 25 year-old has also been slapped with charges of robbery with aggravation, shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) officer for St James, Constable Lancelot Tyrell, told the Observer Thursday that at about 2:45 am Thursday, Reid and another man boarded a Mount Salem bound taxi in Sam Sharpe Square.

When they arrived in the vicinity of the community’s Open Bible Church, Constable Tyrell said, they brandished guns, stole $800 from the driver and ordered him to take them to Wakefield in Trelawny.

But the taxi driver reportedly swerved into the path of a passing police patrol vehicle, and alerted the lawmen that he was in trouble. Reports are that Reid and his accomplice then opened fire and ran from the vehicle, going in different directions.

Constable Tyrell said area residents helped the police to search for the men. Reid was later held and relieved of a .357 magnum revolver, loaded with one live round and five spent shells. Tyrell added that by then, the residents had already beaten him severely and he had to be hospitalised. Reid’s accomplice escaped, however.

The police are now trying to determine if Reid is the same man referred to in media reports in connection with the recovery of a stolen car that was also linked to the recent abduction of St James teen, Nordia England.

Tuesday night’s search of the car had revealed an identification card belonging to the 19 year-old girl, and other articles of female clothing. On Thursday, it was not clear whether Reid would be questioned in connection with England’s abduction.