Cops fear reprisal after Papine Market manager killed
The police have put measures in place to prevent a possible reprisal following the killing of the manager of the Papine Market in St Andrew on Friday.
Colleen ‘Sonia’ Bernard, who was employed by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), was shot dead by a gunman during a brazen daylight attack in the market.
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The alleged shooter was then shot and injured by a policeman moments later.
Head of the Area Four police, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, said the police are conducting an intensive probe into the attack to establish a motive.
“We are doing some further investigations, which of course includes some examination of forensic material, which we believe will help us to identify the real cause behind this particular murder and who the other persons are that may be involved,” Phipps revealed.
But while investigators put the pieces together, police are preparing for any eventualities that may result from the killing.
Information reaching Observer Online indicated that Bernard is a relative of a top gangster, who police said is a leader within the Mona Commons Gang.
The police said in light of the current intelligence and the connection of Bernard’s relative to the criminal underworld, the potential of a reprisal is high.
Reports are that around 3:50 pm, Bernard was at the market collecting fees from shop operators when she was pounced upon by a man who opened fire, hitting her multiple times.
While attempting to escape, the gunman was challenged by an off-duty cop, who was nearby.
The gunman reportedly proceeded along Hope Road near Hope Gardens, where the exchange of gunfire continued. He fell to the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. A Taurus G2C firearm with a magazine containing nine 9mm rounds was taken from him.
Bernard and her attacker were taken to hospital, where doctors pronounced the market manager dead, and the man immediately underwent treatment.
ACP Phipps said the alleged attacker is under police guard, and they will be interviewing him.
