POLICE in western Jamaica are now on high alert following the fatal shooting of Clive “Greedy” Lawson, the alleged interim leader of the notorious Mount Salem, St James-based Katon Defence Force (KDF)/Top Junglist gang.

Lawson was one of three men fatally shot during a police operation on Mosquito Cove main road in Hanover Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, police sources told the Jamaica Observer that Lawson was leading the gang which was heavily involved in violent activities, including murder and shootings, in furtherance of gang conflicts.

According to the sources, Lawson’s criminal activities were primarily motivated by an on-going feud with the Temple Gang, based in Campbell’s Lane, Mount Salem.

It is feared that his death could spark a conflict for leadership of the gang plus an increase in clashes with their rivals.

“Lawson’s death is likely to impact the power dynamics within the KDF/Top Junglist gang, as he was central to its recent activities,” said the Observer source.

“The violent feud between the KDF/Top Junglist and the Temple gang has led to several casualties, and his role in this feud was significant. His death may lead to temporary instability within the gang, potentially creating opportunities for rival factions to exploit the power vacuum or leading to escalated violence as other members seek retribution.

“The rivalry between these two gangs led to several violent confrontations since the beginning of the year, resulting in three confirmed incidents. Lawson’s involvement was pivotal in driving this violence,” added the source.

At the time of his death the 24-year-old Lawson was wanted by the police in connection with the October 24 murder of Donovan Hayles in Campbell’s Lane.

It is alleged that approximately 9:30 am Lawson led a heavily armed group of men who invaded Campbell’s Lane, the base of their rival Temple gang, and opened fire hitting Hayles who died on the scene.

He was out on bail in connection with a January 31, 2022 shooting on Clarke Street, Mount Salem, which left one man nursing gunshot wounds. Lawson was also reportedly facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with a June 2023 incident.

The police report that Lawson’s life of crime came to an end about 5:35 Wednesday evening when members of the police Area One Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT), acting on intelligence, were conducting a special operation and signalled the driver of a dark-coloured Toyota Voxy to stop.

According to the police, four men armed with guns exited the vehicle and began shooting at them.

The cops returned fire, leading to a running gun battle. Three of the attackers were shot and injured, while the fourth managed to escape. The injured men were taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Two firearms were also seized.

“The fatal confrontation with law enforcement suggests that Lawson was actively resisting arrest, leading to his death,” said the Observer source.

Up to news time Thursday the other dead men had not been identified, while a search continued for the other man, who sources say was shot during the incident and escaped clutching two firearms.

The police Area One covers Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny.

On Thursday, in a release, the Area One management team sought to reassure the public that operations targeting wanted individuals and violence producers will continue.

“The Area One police command remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and has issued a warning to criminals that no effort will be spared in bringing them to justice,” said the release.

Mount Salem, which has been declared a zone of special operations (ZOSO) since September 2017, enjoyed an initial lull in crime but has been the scene of two murders in recent days as criminals target their rivals.