MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Police are reporting that two men were fatally shot and a firearm seized during an alleged shootout and high speed chase on the Williamsfield Highway in Manchester Thursday night.

Acting commander for Manchester, Deputy Superintendent Luhas Daniels, said the confrontation happened about 8:45 pm when the police signaled the driver of a vehicle to stop at the Williamsfield roundabout.

He said the driver obeyed the police’s instruction and then sped off.

This reportedly led to a high speed chase. Police said the men opened fire from the speeding vehicle. The driver then pulled over the vehicle on the Melrose Hill bypass section of the highway and more gunfire was directed at the police. A shootout reportedly ensued.

According to the police, when the shootout subsided, two men were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to the Mandeville Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said a 1.22 pistol with nine rounds was seized.

Daniels is warning criminals that Manchester is not a safe haven.

“Manchester is not the place to traverse, if you disobey our orders and confront us we are well trained and we will defend ourselves,” he said.

— Kasey Williams