Police give different account of Denham Town shooting, allege the victim was involved in armed robbery
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The police are giving a different account of the shooting on Wellington Street in Denham Town on Wednesday which left one man dead.
While residents took to the streets on Thursday to protest what they claimed was a ‘cold-blooded’ murder, police say the victim was killed in pursuit of men who reportedly robbed a facility on Spanish Town Road.
“What we can tell you is that the incident emanated from a pursuit where a motor vehicle with men armed with guns was involved in the robbery along Spanish Town Road. The information was circulated by the police radio network. Officers who were on patrol in the Denham Town community actually spotted this particular vehicle and went in pursuit during which time men alighted from the vehicle and opened fire at the police,” said Head of Kingston Western police division, Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps. “The police returned the fire and after the shooting subsided, one man was found with what appeared to be gunshot injuries.”
SSP Phipps also revealed that the vehicle allegedly involved in the robbery as well as items reportedly taken were seized at the scene on Wellington Street.
Tensions were high in Denham Town on Thursday morning as residents blocked roads in protest of the killing of 34-year-old Nicholas Miller whom they claim was innocent.
READ: Denham Town residents mount fiery protest over fatal police shooting
SSP Phipps, while outlining he would not comment on the resident’s account of the incident, said he understands they have a different view of the shooting and as such the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe.
“We realise that they are disputing the account of our police officers. We have since engaged the services of INDECOM and they are here doing their investigations and we are cooperating fully with them,” said Phipps.
The officer also revealed that the deceased was reporting on condition of bail at the Denham Town Police Station as a result of a separate matter in which he was charged with murder. He said as a result of the deceased’s arrangement with the police, officers would visit his home regularly to ensure he stays within the confines of his home.
The police say no firearms were recovered at the scene of the shooting.
