BY HORACE HINES

Sunday Observer staff reporter

hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com

HOPEWELL, Hanover — A masked robber who was shot and killed during a shootout with an off duty policeman when he allegedly attempted to rob patrons at a bar here early yesterday morning, turned out to be a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The dead policeman has been identified as 25-year-old Constable Kemar Beckford, who was stationed at Bethel Town, Westmoreland.

An inspector of police who was shot three times during the firefight, was treated and released from hospital.

Meanwhile, a female patron who was also shot and seriously injured during the incident, has been admitted to hospital in stable condition.

The police recovered a Glock pistol, with nine live rounds and a .38 revolver from the dead cop.

The Glock pistol is said to be a licensed firearm, owned by the constable, while the other handgun was his service revolver.

Reports are that about 12:30 yesterday morning patrons were at a bar in Hopewell, when they were pounced upon by a gun-slinging, masked man who demanded that they hand over their cash to him.

The gunman started firing after he was challenged by an off-duty police inspector who was among the patrons.

The masked robber, the off duty cop and a female patron were shot during the exchange of gunfire.

The police seized a blue 2003 Honda Jazz motor car bearing the registration 1479 GM, which was left abandoned with its engine running across the road from the bar.

The car is believed to have been driven by the constable, who left the engine idle in a bid to make a quick escape.

After the mask was removed from the fallen gunman’s face and it was revealed that he was a member of the JCF, the community was shocked.

“Those are the persons who are supposed to serve and protect and they are the ones carrying out these heinous acts,” an angry bystander expressed.

But another member of the large gathering pointed to the courage of the senior cop who in his attempt to foil the robbery, was shot thrice.

“There are good and bad apples in every organisation. Remember he was challenged by another police,” another man calmly responded.

A senior lawman was overheard telling his colleague that a woman who claimed to be the mother of the deceased, described his actions as an embarrassment to their family.

The mother reportedly said she called her son about 9:45 pm on Good Friday and he told her that he was in bed.

The whereabouts of the accomplice is still unknown.

Members of the JCF hung their heads in shame yesterday morning after word that the robber was a cop who enlisted in the Force in 2009.

“I am embarrassed by his actions. He has brought shame to the Force,” said a plain clothes policeman in a hushed tone.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) began its probe yesterday.

Curious onlookers converge on the bar where a policeman who staged a hold-up was shot and killed during a firefight with another cop yesterday morning.

(PHOTO: PHILLIP LEMONTE)