LETHE, Hanover – One of two men suspected to be involved in a brazen hold-up of 17 tourists yesterday morning in this community, was killed in an alleged shoot-out with members of a police party in the community last night.

The identity of the dead man could not be ascertained at press time, but the police said they had recovered a .38 revolver in the alleged shoot-out.

The police said the dead man along with his crony were hiding in bushes in the area when they engaged the cops in a gunfight.

Up until late last night, the police were still combing the bushes for his accomplice.

According to the police, the men held up and robbed the visitors who were touring the Lethe Estate owned and operated by former tourism minister and People’s National Party constituency caretaker for West Central St James, Francis Tulloch.

Nearly half a dozen children were said to be among tourists who were all passengers of the Conquest cruise vessel which was docked at the Montego Bay Freeport.

Police say that approximately 11:15 am, the visitors were on a tour of the property when they were pounced upon by the gunmen who proceeded to rob them of their valuables. No one was, however, physically harmed during the incident.

Hours later, the police – who were assisted by citizens in a search of the area for the armed men – said they recovered handbags, credit cards and other items believed to be discarded by the bandits in the bushes.

The police later spotted the men and the alleged gunfight ensued.

The victims, in the meanwhile, rejoined the other cruise passengers aboard the Conquest yesterday evening. The vessel, which calls on the Montego Bay Freeport each Wednesday, subsequently departed the shores of the second city. The Conquest belongs to the Carnival Cruise shipping line.