MONTEGO BAY, St James — Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has expressed concern after reports that gunmen opened fire on Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenford Miller and his security detail Wednesday night.

“I am concerned, but I am waiting on the police to do a thorough investigation and get the appropriate intelligence to know whether it was something designed to reach the ACP. I will await the full intelligence report, but it is of concern,” said Dr Chang, who is also the deputy prime minister and Member of Parliament for St James North Western.According to Jamaica Observer sources, Miller, who is head of the Area One Police Division, and his security detail noticed a vehicle near his premises Wednesday night as he headed home. They reportedly approached to investigate when the occupants of the vehicle opened fire on them. The police reportedly returned fire and the vehicle sped off.

The police reported that none of the cops were injured during the attack. It is unclear if any of the occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries.

The shooting occurred mere hours after Miller issued a stern warning to criminals that the police would defend themselves when confronted by gunmen.

“I am appealing to the criminals, when my police officers come for you, surrender. Don’t try to confront my police officers. My police officers are trained to defend themselves and defend the citizens of this country and that they will do with the utmost respect and professionalism at all times. I appeal to you,” he said then.

“Criminals want to take over our space and we will not tolerate that. That will not happen! The law-abiding citizens of this country, especially those persons who live in Hanover, do business in Hanover; must live in peace in Hanover and feel safe. We, the police, we are here; [we] will continue to protect them and try to ensure their safety and security at all times,” Miller vowed.

Efforts to get details of Wednesday’s shooting from senior members of the St James Police Division proved futile up to press time. The Independent Commission of Investigations and police in Montego Bay are investigating.

Meanwhile, the business community in the western city has denounced the attack. Speaking with the Observer, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oral Heaven described the shooting as an attack on law and order.

“Attack on our law enforcement is very serious. Naturally, it’s something that we condemn,” he told the Observer.