Cops come under attack in Capture Land
Published:Thursday | January 23, 2025 | 12:14 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
An operation to apprehend wanted men in Ellerslie Pen, also known as Capture Land, in Spanish Town, St Catherine, escalated into a confrontation between lawmen and citizens on Wednesday, leaving four police service vehicles damaged.
The incident unfolded as residents opposed the law-enforcement action, accusing the police of misconduct during previous operations.
According to Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, commander for the St Catherine North Police, the operation commenced around 9 a.m. but was met with resistance.
“During this incident, the police, with an intention to prevent further damage to the service vehicles as well as to prevent injury to the officers, had to use less lethal force as well as fire warning shots,” Nicholson explained.
Residents reportedly sounded alarms, calling others to the scene and armed with cellphone cameras. Video footage captured the crowd shouting, “Unu, come and video. Police a come”, as they gathered in large numbers.
One resident, speaking anonymously, claimed that the reaction was fuelled by mistrust of the police due to past incidents.
“We don’t trust them,” the resident stated. “Dem come in a we community and kill innocent youths and put gun on dem all the time.”
During the confrontation, stones and other objects were thrown at the police, resulting in significant damage to their vehicles. One vehicle had all four tires slashed. Residents also blocked multiple roadways, further escalating tensions.
Nicholson condemned the attack on law enforcement, stating, “We implore citizens not to attack the police because those who have been adequately trained will use legally justifiable means to defend themselves and government property.”
He also confirmed that investigations are under way to identify those responsible for damaging the service vehicles.
Nicholson issued a warning to individuals wanted by the police, urging Roniel Hope, alias ‘Ron’, Tashwain Balford, Javaghn White, also known as ‘Bally’, Kevaghn White, alias ‘Twin’, Shmar Dummer, and individuals known as ‘Presy’ and ‘Ranger’ to turn themselves in.
This latest incident underscores ongoing tensions between residents and law enforcement in some communities, with calls for improved relations and accountability from both sides.