ST MARY, Jamaica — A man wanted for arson was reportedly found hiding in a kitchen during a police sting operation in Sandside district, St Mary on Monday.

He is 31-year-old Andre McKenzie, a construction worker from Sandside, in the parish.

Reports indicate that the St Mary police, along with members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), were conducting an operation in the community around 3 pm when the team entered the premises of a two-bedroom board and concrete structure.

The premises were searched, and the lawmen reportedly found McKenzie hiding in the kitchen, according to reports.

Checks revealed that McKenzie was wanted by the St Mary police on charges of arson and other crimes.

McKenzie is accused of setting a section of a house on fire in Zion Hill, Islington, St Mary in April 2024. The incident was reported to the police after the owner of the house reportedly saw McKenzie in the yard following the discovery of the fire.

Upon seeing the owner, McKenzie reportedly fled the scene.

It is reported that McKenzie and the complainant were in a relationship that had broken down.

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Three other people were also on the premises; however, they were not arrested.

–        Ingrid Henry