ST MARY, Jamaica — The St Mary police are urging 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine to turn himself in immediately following his escape from police custody on Friday.

Ballentine, who also goes by the name “Junior Ballentine”, managed to break free after overpowering Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) officers and policemen who had temporarily removed his handcuffs to allow him to sign a statement.

He was initially detained after allegedly attacking law enforcement officers who were investigating his suspicious behaviour.

According to reports, the incident began on the night of Thursday, October 2, when a police team responded to complaints about noise at a bar in the Frazerwood district in St Mary. Around 11:50 pm, the officers heard what they believed to be gunshots. Upon investigating, they were led to a wake in another part of the community, where they reportedly saw a man acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion. When officers attempted to accost him, he fled the scene.

Subsequent enquiries saw Ballentine emerging as the suspect who fled the wake, the police said, and an operation was launched at a house in the community. During the operation, Ballentine allegedly attacked an officer with a knife and was subsequently shot. He was arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Ballentine was interviewed by Indecom personnel while at the hospital and then released into police custody. However, around 5:15 pm on Friday, he escaped after overpowering the officers when they removed his handcuffs to allow him to affix his signature to the statement collected.

The police searched the areas surrounding the hospital, but Ballentine has not been found. He is now being urged to turn himself in immediately.

In the meantime, individuals in and around Port Maria and Highgate are asked to be on the lookout for any strangers in their communities, and are encouraged to call the police immediately if they see anything suspicious.

Family members and friends are also being reminded that it is an offence to harbour an escapee, and are advised to make contact with detectives at the Port Maria Police Station to make arrangements for Ballentine’s peaceful surrender. The contact number is 876-994-9873.

Meanwhile, investigators are continuing their investigation of the incident, which also saw the arrest of a man who was at the house with Ballentine and the seizure of three imitation firearms.