KINGSTON, Jamaica— One man was killed and two arrested during an alleged shootout with police as lawmen confronted reported car thieves on Tuesday.

Of the two men arrested, one is suspected to be a key player in the stolen motor vehicle trade.

Police say that about midday, a joint operation involving C-TOC’s Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit and the lawmen from St Andrew South was conducted on Lothian Avenue, Kingston 11.

During a breach-and-clear exercise of a premises, officers were allegedly met with gunfire. The police responded, which resulted in one man sustaining gunshot wounds.

A loaded 9mm pistol and a motor vehicle were reportedly seized at the scene.

The injured man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity is being withheld as the investigation remains active to determine the full extent of the illicit activity.

Police say the operation is part of a sustained crackdown on vehicle theft by the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC).

They are urging individuals who have experienced vehicle theft to contact C-TOC’s Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit at 876-967-1389 or 876-922-2373; call the Police 119 emergency number, or visit the nearest police station.