KINGSTON, Jamaica — Residents of Jones Town in Kingston have expressed outrage over the fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man by police during an operation in the community last Tuesday, prompting protests and road blockages in the area.

The deceased has been identified as Alexander Marsh, otherwise called “Choco”, of 30½ Penn Street in Jones Town.

Speaking on the incident, Commanding Officer for the Kingston Western Police Division, Superintendent Brian Henry, said members of the Kingston Western Operational Support Team were conducting patrols in the Admiral Town area about 8:40 pm when they observed a man whose behaviour aroused their suspicion.

According to Henry, the man ran into a yard along Penn Street upon seeing the police. The lawmen reportedly pursued him and, upon entering the premises, the man allegedly pointed a sub-machine gun at them.

“The police, in fear of their lives, fired at this man,” Henry said.

Marsh was shot and injured during the encounter. Police said a sub-machine gun and three 9mm cartridges were recovered from him. He was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following the shooting, residents staged protests and blocked several roadways in the community. Henry said the demonstrations continued into the following morning.

“The blockages of the roadways and unlawful demonstration have been a type of behaviour that has long been the custom of persons in this particular community,” he said, while urging residents to allow investigators to carry out their work.

Henry noted that the incident is under investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), as well as the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau.

He appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist investigators.

Addressing concerns about violence in the area, Henry confirmed that conflicts continue within Jones Town.

“As a matter of fact, I can confirm that of the 12 murders recorded in the division since January, two have actually been committed within that space,” he said.

The superintendent also revealed that police have seized 15 illegal firearms across the Kingston Western Division since the start of the year, with four of those weapons recovered in the Jones Town area.

Henry said the police are increasing community engagement efforts while carrying out targeted operations aimed at improving safety in the area.

He pointed to recent gains in crime reduction, noting that the division recorded no murders during the month of April.

“It is something that we hope to repeat. We are working assiduously towards it, and we are making progress where that is concerned,” he said.