POLICE shot and killed a man they say has been wanted on two murder charges during an operation in Burnside Lane, Red Hills, St Andrew yesterday. They also seized a firearm and arrested and charged two people with illegal possession of the weapon.

Police identified the dead man as Michael Griffiths, 21, alias “Chan” of Burnside Lane, Red Hills, St Andrew. Griffiths’ girlfriend, Nicole Jones and another man, George Simpson, 37, alias “Robin” were arrested on the gun charge.

The Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) reported that at about 5:00 am the St Andrew South police went to Burnside Lane to execute an arrest warrant on Griffiths. As they approached the house Griffiths allegedly shot at the lawmen who returned the fire, another man fired at them and ran into the bushes.

During a search of the house Griffiths was found suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said a loaded Mack sub-machine gun with four cartridges were found on the floor beside Griffiths who was pronounced dead at hospital. Jones who was found under the bed was arrested and charged with illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition. Simpson who ran, was picked up during a search and charged with illegal possession of firearm, and shooting with intent.

Police said Simpson had absconded bail while awaiting trial for the murder of Kevin Roberts who was beaten to death along Trinidad Road, Kingston 11 on July 30, 2000.

Police said Griffiths was wanted for the gun murders last year of Marlon Bennett who was killed at Rushworth Avenue, Kingston, on May 24 and Omar Daves, 22, otherwise called “X” of Forty-Forty Drive who was killed on December 29 at Carlos Road in the Kingston 11 area.