Shane Richard Bulgin, who was fatally shot in an alleged confrontation with members of the security forces during an operation in Westmoreland Monday morning, reportedly had a long criminal history in gangs that were particularly notorious for contract killings; extortion rackets targeting businesses, especially those owned by Chinese; and armed robberies, police sources told the Jamaica Observer.

“Bulgin was implicated in numerous violent crimes and illicit activities, including the murder of Everton Johnson, alias Gaddy Bling, who was killed on January 21, 2022, in Fullersfield, Grange Hill, Westmoreland. He was also implicated in the murder of Wade “Scatta” Phillips, who was fatally shot on April 4, 2024, at Bloody Bay Beach Park, in Negril, Westmoreland,” one source added.

Police reported that a joint police/military operation Monday morning targeted a white one-bedroom board house under a search warrant for prohibited weapons and ammunition.

The police said that, on arrival, the members of the police/military team knocked and identified themselves, but received no response.

They said shuffling sounds were heard inside prompting members of the security team to force open the back door. A female ran from the house and Bulgin reportedly emerged, opening gunfire at the law enforcers. The fire was returned and Bulgin was hit in the upper body, the police reported.

According to the report, Bulgin was found clutching a firearm and was transported to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A Taurus 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five rounds was reportedly taken from him.

The Observer sources say Bulgin was a known criminal figure from Rory Street, Top Geneva, and Jerusalem Mountain, Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

He had a long-standing presence on the police radar due to his involvement in organised crime, particularly within two notorious criminal organisations — Green Leaf Gang, based in Alma, Westmoreland, and the King Valley Gang, led by the now incarcerated leader Derval “Lukie” Williams.

The sources say Bulgin played a key role in the operations of these gangs, particularly as a financier and getaway driver.

“He was directly connected to King Valley Gang’s criminal activities, acting as a conduit for orders from Williams through a top enforcer in the gang,” the sources said.

According to the sources, during a July 2024 shoot-out in Negril four gang members were fatally shot by members of the security forces, another was shot and injured, and two others surrendered. Bulgin was identified as one of the getaway drivers who fled the scene.

The sources said that following Bulgin’s fatal shooting by the police on Monday tensions in Geneva, Grange Hill, escalated with relatives and associates expressing hostility toward the police, contesting the official account of his death.

The Observer sources said the authorities anticipate potential protests and retaliatory violence in response, but, “Bulgin was a habitual offender and key enabler of organised crime in Westmoreland. His deep involvement in gang activities, contract killings, and financial backing of criminal enterprises made him a significant law enforcement target”.