KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington has commended police personnel from the St Andrew Central Division for the capture of an armed robbery suspect Friday, who in his bid to escape boarded a JUTC bus filled with passengers in New Kingston.

“The capture of this suspect was achieved without a single shot being fired. This brings great relief to us all, as the discharge of firearm on a bus with passengers could have grave consequences for citizen’s safety and the image of the Police Force,” Ellington said.

Reports are that two men entered a business place off Trafalgar Road in New Kingston shortly after midday Friday and held up the owner and an employee at gunpoint robbing them of several items including an iPhone, a gold chain and J$6,000.

A licensed firearm holder, who was a customer at the store, observed what was taking place and opened fire at the robbers who returned fire while making good their escape, the police say.

One of the crooks boarded a bus which was later intercepted by the police. The man was apprehended without incident and a 9mm pistol containing eleven 9mm rounds taken from him.

His identity is being withheld until charges are preferred. The police continue a search for his accomplice.

“This bit of success for all was achieved because the suspect surrendered without threatening the lives of officers or passengers. It serves as a clear reminder that our members are determined to safeguard the lives of suspects, even when they (suspects) are armed and presumed dangerous, once they are prepared to surrender to lawmen,” Ellington said.

“We have no desire to shoot suspects. We are committed to safeguarding the right to life and once again appeal to all armed suspects, once challenged by the police “surrender peacefully”. This is the right thing to do for your safety and that of others,” the Commissioner added.