A man said to be a gang member was shot dead by police, and a submachine gun seized during an incident at Bolivar View in New Haven, St Andrew, on Saturday night.

The dead man has been identified as 30-year-old Kurt Thompson, from Buckan Avenue in the community.

Thompson, who police said is a known member of the Beng Gang that operates out of the New Heaven community, was previously arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and was released from prison in 2017.

Later that same year, the police said, he was again arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon but was subsequently released.

Reports reaching Observer Online indicated that around 11:30 pm, a police team was conducting a curfew patrol in New Haven when they observed a man walking with a firearm in his hand.

Upon identifying themselves as police, the man pointed the firearm at the lawmen and attempted to flee. He was pursued onto Bolivar View, where a confrontation ensued, and an officer discharged his service weapon, killing the suspect.

The firearm – a 9mm Intratec AB10 submachine gun – was taken from the scene. Police transported Thompson to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has since been contacted and is investigating the incident.

Commanding officer for the St Andrew South Police Division, Senior Superintendent Damian Manderson, said the JCF will continue its aggressive push to rid communities of illegal firearms before they are used against law-abiding citizens.

“We urge the public to support our efforts by reporting illegal guns, wanted persons, and criminal activities through Crime Stop at 311 or the nearest police station,” SSP Manderson stated. “The police remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring safer communities and will continue to take decisive action against armed criminals who threaten public safety.”