KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man was shot dead by police, and a firearm seized in Salisbury Plain district in St Andrew this morning.

It was the third police killing within two hours.

The dead man has been identified as Kemar Lewis, otherwise called ‘Wush Moo’, from Salisbury Plain. The seized weapon is a Glock 19 9mm pistol with a magazine containing four 9mm rounds.

Lewis’ death, the authorities claim, will rebuild trust in the police as he was described as a nuisance in several communities. They believe his death will, without a doubt, disrupt several gang activities.

Reports are that around 4:00 am, the Area Four Fugitive Apprehension Team went to the district in an intelligence-led operation in search Demoy Shirley, otherwise called ‘Ageable’.

Intelligence indicated that Shirley was being harboured in Salisbury Plains by Lewis, who police said was shot dead during the operation and the firearm seized.

Police reported that Lewis was a close associate of Shirley, who is wanted in the Kingston Eastern Division for a double murder and in the Kingston Central Division for shooting with intent against the police.

Checks revealed that Lewis was charged with illegal possession of a firearm in 2007 but was found not guilty.

An operation was conducted in 2018 at Lewis’ house, and he was not seen. However, seven 9mm rounds, ganja and a police vest were found at the residence.

Lewis was one of three men killed by police in two hours. Earlier this morning, two men were shot dead in an alleged gun battle on the Shooters Hill main road in St Andrew.

Head of Area Four, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, said the police will continue to pursue persons listed as wanted for crime across the various divisions within the area.

“These efforts have been intensified, and we have seen some successes within the last 12 hours, whereby two firearms and ammunition have been recovered in our police operations that have, unfortunately, resulted in the death of three persons who have been on our radar for quite some time,” he said.

Phipps urged Shirley to turn himself over to the police no later than 6:00 pm Saturday.