HOPE BAY, Portland — The police have won public praise after two women, believed to be the mother and sister of a man shot during an attempted robbery, were among eight people taken into custody Monday.

During the incident in Hope Bay, Portland, about 2:30 am, one man was fatally shot by a licensed firearm holder.

“Armed men broke into a business place, he [licensed firearm holder] challenged the men, and they opened fire. One man was hit. The police quickly arrived at the scene and took control of the area. The injured man was assisted to the Port Antonio Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries,” said superintendent of police in charge of Portland Ainsley McCarthy.

He said the two women were apprehended while they attempted to get an injured would-be-robber out of the parish. The senior cop noted that those nabbed were from out of town.

“None of the culprits is from Portland; they have addresses from Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine. The Portland police are not to be trifled with; the police will spare no resources in protecting the life and property of Portlanders. The warning is clear: ‘If your intentions are not good, do not come into the parish of Portland,’ ” McCarthy warned.

The police station is located a few metres away from where the robbery was foiled, and Hope Bay residents are heaping praise on the cops for their quick action. One man told the Jamaica Observer the would-be criminals, unfamiliar with the area, had a challenge evading cops who were alerted by residents.

“They did an excellent job, because some criminals come in come break di place. The police were called and dem [would-be criminals] tek weh dem self over di seaside, but dem nuh know di place. A stranger dem; dem nuh come from round here. Dem jus a run up and dung like idiots,” said one man who asked not to be identified by name.

He said there has been a recent uptick in crime.

“The whole town and community a bruk out from the other day — all down at Caenwood,” he said.

According to data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, from the start of this year to August 23, Portland has recorded eight murders, one more than the same period last year. There have been six shootings so far this year, compared to two for the same period in 2024.