SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Police say a “person of interest” was being questioned late yesterday regarding the shooting death in the wee hours of 56-year-old District Constable Lewis Robinson in Lacovia, three miles west of here.

“We have a person of interest who we are questioning and that’s all I can say about that at this time,” head of the St Elizabeth Police Superintendent Lanford Salmon told the Jamaica Observer.

Robinson’s body was found in his car at about 6:00 am yesterday at an open lot adjoining a popular nightclub in Lacovia. His licensed firearm is believed to have been taken by his killers. Police say early evidence suggests the district constable, who was assigned to the Santa Cruz Police Station, was shot in the mouth.

The police say Robinson’s body was found slumped on the driver’s side of the car with the door open and one leg outside. Early theories were that he may have left the club for a short nap or possibly to get something from his car when he was attacked.

Though the district constable was apparently killed at about 2:00 am, police say no calls were made to them, though locals conceded they had heard explosions. The police were only alerted after daylight when locals noticed the district constable’s body.

An irate Salmon told the

Observer yesterday that the incident was a classic example of people not recognising their civic responsibilities.

“At 2:00 am you hear gunshots and nobody call the police? Come on. That’s not good enough; people need to be more alert,” said Salmon. “People need to take responsibility and carry out their civic duties by calling the police when something happens. You never know, the victim could be a relative or a friend and, who knows, quick action may end up saving a life. You never know,” he added.

The police chief noted the incident happened close to where a police sergeant was murdered about 10 years ago.

“When you see this kind of attack… it sends a strong message,” said Salmon.

He appealed to anyone who may have “seen or heard anything to contact the police as quickly as possible”.

And even as St Elizabeth reacted with shock and alarm to news of the lawman’s murder, community leaders pointed out that it is bound to have a devastating effect on the entertainment industry and night life in Lacovia and its immediate environs.

“This is a sad day for St Elizabeth, where you don’t expect things like this to happen,” said chairman of the St Elizabeth Parish Council and Mayor of Black River Everton Fisher, who also extended condolence to family members, friends and colleagues of the slain policeman.

“People have to understand that what is likely to happen is what usually happens after something like this; there will most likely be a police ban on permits for entertainment events which is a source of considerable revenue for small business folk,” said Fisher, who is the PNP councillor for the Balaclava Division. He pointed out that the Labour Day weekend is just two weeks away.

Councillor Vinceroy Blake (JLP, Lacovia Division) agreed. “This has set back the community in a very serious way; the thing that helps to keep the community together (night entertainment) will most likely no longer be,” he said.

Blake said Robinson was well liked and well known. He speculated that whoever attacked the district constable probably knew him and wanted his gun.

“This cruel act has set back the entire community,” Blake said.

Locals said Robinson was a regular visitor to the nightclub and usually parked his car in the same spot.

Salmon said Robinson was a hard-working, well-known and well-liked person.

“He was one of those very jovial policemen who got along well with residents and police alike,” Salmon said.

The tragedy plunged Robinson’s family, friends and colleagues into deep mourning.

Salmon said police community, safety and security personnel provided counselling for Robinson’s widow, described as being “totally distraught”. Counselling was also provided for his colleagues.

— Garfield Myers