A man who was listed as a person of interest in connection with a recent double murder in Salt Spring, St James was shot and killed during a joint police operation at his alleged hideout in St Mary.

The deceased man has been identified as Odane Barrett, also known as ‘Jungle’, of Bird Hill, Meggie Top in Salt Spring, St James.

The intelligence-led operation consisted of lawmen from St James and the Area 2 Operations Support Team, who reportedly found Barrett in Mason Hall, St Mary during the early hours of Wednesday.

Reports are that during the operation, Barrett engaged the officers with gunfire, which was returned. He sustained injuries and, despite prompt medical attention and transportation to Port Maria Hospital, was pronounced dead, the police said.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said in a statement that the operation is significant in the face of the State of Public Emergency (SOE) which was implemented earlier this month.

READ: SOE declared for St James

“This operation is a significant marker in our ongoing efforts under the recently implemented State of Public Emergency in the parish of St James. The initiative has already yielded positive results, underscoring our commitment to combating crime and enhancing safety for all citizens. Since the start of the SOE, there have been no major crimes reported in the St James division,” the JCF said.

“The Jamaica Constabulary Force remains steadfast in its mission. Moving forward, the St. James police will intensify operational activities to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice other individuals who contribute to violence and instability in the community.”

The SOE was declared following several murders, including the deaths of two students, in the parish.

On November 6, seven-year-old Justin Perry and nine-year-old Nahcoliva Smith, both students; and Tevin Hayle, otherwise called ‘Bancel’, 26, were shot dead when a gunman opened fire on a taxi they were in. Police believe Hayle was the intended target of the gunman.

READ: Two children among three killed in Salt Spring

A week earlier, on October 26, students of Salt Spring Primary School were left traumatised by the shooting deaths of 22-year-old Imani Jarrett and her common-law husband, 30-year-old Odane Smith.

According to the police, armed thugs intercepted a taxi, removed the couple and opened fire killing both of them.

READ: Double murder in Salt Spring, St James

Just mere hours later, Anthony Forbes was shot and killed while at home with his son. His son was injured during the attack which saw assailants kicking in the door to their dwelling.

READ: Third murder in Salt Spring in 12 hours

The police are asking for residents of Salt Spring to cooperate with the police as they “work together to maintain law and order in our society.”

Members of the public who would want to share any information they believe may be helpful to investigations can call the Police Emergency at 119, Crime Stop at 311, the NIB Tip Line at 811 or the nearest police Station.