POLICE in the St Andrew South Division are on high alert following the fatal shooting of the alleged leader of the notorious 440 Gang, which operates out of the Olympic Gardens area.

The alleged gang leader has been identified as Mark Harrison, otherwise called Mark 2, of a 440 Drive address.

Police believe that the killing of the influential gang leader has significantly increased the potential risk of retaliation.

“There is a high likelihood that counter-attacks may be initiated by ruthless members of the 440 Gang as they possess the capabilities and resources to cause harm,” said a Jamaica Observer source.

“Harrison maintained deep ties to the criminal underworld and had numerous criminal associates who may choose to avenge his death, thereby escalating tensions and triggering further acts of violence,” the source added as he noted that several men on the police’s most wanted list, from a number of communities across the Corporate Area, were numbered among Harrison’s associates.

He charged that the likelihood of Harrison’s criminal cronies conspiring to influence, or initiate violent activities, remains high.

“It is believed that reprisal attacks may be orchestrated in the Olympic Gardens and Drewsland areas, especially along the gully banks leading to Drewsland,” said the source.

According to reports, Harrison was at his house on 440 Drive about 11:00 pm Wednesday when he was approached by a man who residents said lives at a Drewsland address.

It is alleged that the man pulled a firearm and shot Harrison several times to his upper body before fleeing on foot. Harrison was taken by residents to hospital, where he died while undergoing surgery.

Residents told the Observer that in the days leading up to the fatal shooting, both men were frequently seen in the community, engaging in friendly interactions, socialising, drinking, and spending time together in a manner that gave no indication of conflict.

Police sources say no motive has yet been determined for the attack as the suspect had been taken into the 440 Drive community by Harrison and appeared to have been elevated to a top-tier position in the gang, which has been linked to murders, shootings, extortion, and contract killings.

The 440 Gang is also embroiled in a deadly feud with gangsters from the nearby community of Samacan. This conflict has resulted in multiple murders, shootings, and arson attacks.

Observer sources say the suspect has a long criminal history. In 2014 he was arrested and charged with breaking and larceny and was recently picked up in a massive police operation.

In the meantime, Harrison had multiple encounters with law enforcement. In 2015, he was stopped while riding a bicycle, searched, and found with a Parabellum pistol along with a magazine containing 10 rounds. He was arrested, charged, and later released in relation to that matter.

On November 2, 2018, Harrison was again arrested and charged for shooting with intent, assault at common-law, unlawful wounding, illegal possession of firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition.