KINGSTON, Jamaica — A bearer employed at a popular financial institution was shot dead during an attempted robbery on a section of Half- Way Tree Road, St Andrew, on Friday afternoon.

The dead man, identified as 68-year-old Lawrence Kessna from Phase 2, Seaview Gardens in St Andrew, was killed following a tussle with a wannabe thief.

While expressing condolences to the family, friends and the business community affected by the killing, head of the Area Four police, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force strongly condemns the brazen act of violence.

“We will not allow criminals to turn our commercial centres into hunting grounds. My instructions are for sustained high visibility operations across the space which will serve to disrupt, deter and apprehend the persons who are likely to perpetrate these acts,” Phipps said.

He disclosed that financial centres will be part of the main focus areas, as the police conduct investigations, which include the examination of forensic evidence and are working with the business community and other stakeholders.

“We continue to urge business operators to ensure strong security measures when transporting especially large amounts of cash. The JCF continues to alert and advise persons doing large financial transactions and transporting large sums of cash to contact the police who are more than willing to assist, free of charge and I repeat free of charge, “The ACP added.

“Your safety remains our priority, and as such we will increase our operational activities in these areas, and in the meantime I want to urge calm, but  also vigilance, especially in and around our financial institutions, including our ATMs.”

“The JCF remains committed to restoring order and public confidence. We will not relent until those responsible are held.”

Reports reaching Observer Online indicated that around 1:22 pm, Kessna visited a bank to cash a cheque valued at $10 million on behalf of his company.

The funds were reportedly intended for distribution to customers across various locations.

Upon leaving the bank, Kessna was attacked by a man who tried to take a grey knapsack that he had the money in. A tussle ensued, and upon failing to get the bag, the attacker opened fire, hitting the bearer in the upper body.

The perpetrator escaped on a waiting motorcycle.

Police transported Kessna to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), where doctors pronounced him dead.

The knapsack bag was handed over to the police at the hospital.