ONE of St James’ Most Wanted criminals, according to the police, was shot dead yesterday during a confrontation with the security forces in Berkshire, St Elizabeth.

The Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force in a joint statement said that Ryan “Ratty” Peterkin, who is rated number three on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Most Wanted list, and who was described as “a most violent man”, was killed along with an accomplice during the confrontation.

“Peterkin, who has been evading capture since he was displaced from Montego Bay during the current State of Emergency, was wanted in connection with several murders and shootings along with other crimes. Reports are that a security team went to a house in Berkshire, St Elizabeth to issue an arrest warrant for Peterkin. On the approach of the arrest team, the fugitive and another man opened fire and attempted to evade capture.

“A shooting confrontation ensued and Peterkin and his accomplice were shot. The two men were pronounced dead at the Savanna-la-mar Hospital.

“One AK47 rifle with two magazines and 12 live rounds as well as one .38 revolver were recovered from the scene.

“The matter has been reported to the Bureau of Special Investigations and the Independent Commission of Investigations,” the statement said.