OCHO RIOS, St Ann — A brazen gun battle in this bustling resort town yesterday afternoon between gunmen and police left three robbers dead and residents praising the police for their quick and brave response.

Police said three gunmen engaged them in a shoot-out about 2:10 pm after they robbed Cambio King in the Ocean Village Shopping Centre. The men were cut down as they traded bullets with police on the plaza before attempting to escape in a White Honda Partner motor car parked along Milford Road.

Police said an undetermined sum of money and firearms were taken from the men, one of whom was killed behind the steering wheel of the getaway car waiting across from the Texaco service station. One collapsed immediately in front of the vehicle while the other fell in the yard of the old courthouse metres away.

Their identities have not been ascertained and police could not confirm reports that a fourth man had escaped. Several vehicles, including a car transporting tourists, were damaged during the gunfight.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Dalton Wright said the men went into the cambio with a large sum of money posing as customers before robbing it of an undetermined sum. He said the police responded quickly and cornered the men on Milford Road as they were attempting to escape.

“Two of the men took the proprietor to a section of the business place then brandished weapons…,” said Wright, adding that the police were alerted by employees.

After the firefight, a large crowd gathered across from the service station trying to get a glimpse of the slain robbers. During the process, the car which was already damaged by bullets was further damaged by members of the public.

“The police are to be commended,” said one woman. “Ah two of them alone tek down the three gunmen. They did not even get out of the cambio good before they were killed. The police really work today.”

Wright said police in the parish are alert and are prepared to deal with any situation, and will not put up with criminal activities.

“I am appealing to persons who want to come to Ocho Rios and St Ann to carry out their illegal activities in this division not to do so. We do not tolerate deviant behaviour in this division,” Wright warned.

He said business operators should continue to be vigilant, especially during this Yuletide season, and alert the police about any strange person attempting to do business, especially if the business seems unusual.