MANDEVILLE, Manchester — A man who police say was on his way to commit a contract murder was fatally shot after being intercepted and engaging cops in a firefight in Knockpatrick, Manchester, on Monday.

Up to press time police had not released the identity of the man, who was travelling with a lap dog. The pet was not harmed in the shoot-out.

Head of the Manchester police, Deputy Superintendent Odean Dennis, said about 12:10 pm cops were acting on information of a “threat to life” when they intercepted a Toyota Voxy motor vehicle.

“…Police received information that someone was about to be killed. They went in search of a black Toyota Voxy motor vehicle with DC plates affixed. They came upon a vehicle fitting the description and signalled it to stop. The occupant opened fire at the police, who defended themselves,” Dennis told the Jamaica Observer.

Police at the scene in Knockpatrick, Manchester, where a man was fatally shot Monday afternoon during an alleged firefight. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

He said an Armscor .38 special revolver along with rounds of ammunition was found inside the vehicle.

“A police service vehicle was also damaged by bullets. The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead,” Superintendent Dennis said.

He also told the Observer that the dead man was a person of interest in the February 1 double murder of Raheem Ward, otherwise called Richie Rich, and Adrian Reid in Old England, Manchester.

“I want to take this opportunity to highlight that it is increasingly coming to our knowledge that the issue of contract killing is real in this parish, but I want to assure the public that the Manchester police are prepared to deal decisively with this issue,” Dennis said.

DENNIS… we want to encourage the public to keep sharing information, as this is how we will continue to fit the pieces of the puzzle of organised crime together in this parish (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“We want to encourage the public to keep sharing information, as this is how we will continue to fit the pieces of the puzzle of organised crime together in this parish. I want to implore young men to go and find a skill, get yourselves gainfully and legally employed, because engaging in these kinds of illegal activities for monetary gains can lead to incidents such as these, and we really don’t want that for our young men,” Dennis added.

He also commended police personnel and their Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) counterparts for maintaining order in Manchester, pointing out that the division recorded no murders for the month of October.

“We attribute this to a number of things. Firstly, the skilful and well-thought-out planning, coordinating, and directing of our management
— the expert execution of plans by our boots on the ground and better coordination between our key elements within the division, and the unwavering support of our partners within the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force). Our external partners such as the JDF and the business community also come in for mention when it comes to the achievement and, most importantly, the support of the public, which was tremendous,” said Dennis.