PORTLAND, Jamaica — A man who was being sought by police in connection with a reported sexual assault at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) was killed in an operation by law enorcers in Portland on Tuesday morning.

Commanding Officer for the Portland Division, Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy said that about 7:30 am, police acting on information went to a residence in the Ranch Hill, Norwich district, where Winston Humes — wanted in relation to an alleged rape at CASE earlier December –.was located.

READ: CASE students protest security concerns following alleged rape

McCarthy said that upon the arrival of the lawmen at the property, Humes became aware of their presence and emerged from the premises armed with a machete. He was reportedly instructed to drop the weapon but refused and advanced toward the cops in what was described as a chopping position. The police then discharged their firearms, hitting Humes, said McCarthy.

He was transported to the Port Antonio Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police further stated that Humes had been linked to other reported rape incidents at the CASE campus, dating back to 2021 and 2022,  which were before the courts. However, in those matters, one complainant migrated overseas, while another reportedly became disillusioned as the case progressed, after psychiatric issues involving the suspect were raised and a court-ordered evaluation was conducted.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of Humes.