WESTMORELAND, Jamaica— The Westmoreland police are reporting that a major operation in and around the Whitehouse and Grange Hill areas has resulted in the seizure of two illegal guns and ammunition. Two suspects have also been taken into custody.

According to the police, the first incident happened about 9:15 pm in Whitehouse, when a team of police officers on foot patrol responded to a report from a complainant regarding the commission of a serious crime.

“The police team responded swiftly in identifying the accused who pulled a firearm from his waistband and opened gunfire at the team of police, who subsequently returned fire. During which the accused ran on to an open lot,” Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in charge of operations in the Westmoreland Police Division, Adrian Hamilton told Observer Online.

The suspect was later found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to Hamilton, a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing two rounds and other items of evidential value were also secured on his person.

The suspect was rushed to the Savanna-La-mar Public General Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition under police guard.

In the second incident, a 9mm Glock pistol was seized by the Morgan’s Bridge police at Belle Isle Road, Grange Hill in the parish.

Hamilton noted that the police continue to reap success in the Christmas season.

“Enhanced deployment of law enforcement assets across Westmoreland throughout the yuletide season has been impactful and reaped further success last night into this morning with the seizure of two prohibited weapons and ammunition and the arrest of two suspects,” DSP Hamilton added.