MONTEGO BAY, St James — Reputed leader of the Ratty Gang, Ryan Peterkin, who also goes by the moniker ‘Ratty’, is one of the most prominent figures featuring on the list of the 10 most wanted people recently released by the St James Police Division.

According to head of the St James Police Division Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, Peterkin and his Ratty Gang are responsible for “several spates of shootings and murders in the Cambridge police area”.

SSP Nesbeth recounted that on December 30 last year, during a confrontation with the police, two members of the notorious gang were shot and killed.

“We were confronted by members of that gang who fired at the police and based on our training, we were able to manoeuvre tactically, to the extent that two of these members were shot and killed.”

He noted that the police prefer to bring wanted people before the justice system. As such, he is imploring others wanted by the St James police to surrender themselves.

In addition to Peterkin, SSP Nesbeth also pointed to Shaneil Luthan, who is convicted for murder, but who escaped custody two years ago; as well as Arnold Gayle, also called ‘Guy’, who is also wanted for murder.

Others rounding off the St James police 10 most wanted list are: Jevaughn Campbell, also called ‘Cooking Oil’ of Mt Salem; Marcus Robinson, alias ‘Rasta’; Adrian Robinson; Kevin Hemmings, also called ‘Skelly’, Alex Madourie, otherwise called ‘Popcorn’ or ‘Pop’; Delano Wilmot, commonly called ‘Lano’ of Mother Lane, Cambridge; and Stephano Johnson otherwise called ‘Sarge’.

Up to yesterday morning, 12 murders were recorded in St James since the start of the year, seven more than the five reported over the corresponding period last year.