One of the island’s most wanted men has been apprehended.

He is 43-year-old Courtney Ashley, otherwise called ‘Bloodstain’.

Police say Ashley is the reputed leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang in St. Andrew.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Ashley was nabbed during a targeted operation in Phoenix Park Village, Portmore, St. Catherine yesterday.

Two other individuals, a male and female, were also arrested during the incident.

Their identities are being withheld pending further investigations.

Lawmen say at about 7:10 P.M., members of the St. Catherine South Special Operations team carried out an intelligence-driven operation in Phoenix Park Village, where Ashley and two others were seen.

Its reported that the men attempted to elude the officers, but were intercepted and detained, along with the woman.
All three were taken into custody.

Following a search of the premises, investigators reportedly seized several items including several cellular phones, laptops, a card reader, along with cash in both Jamaican and American currency.

Police say Courtney Ashley was wanted for the 2017 murder of Andrew Foster and a shooting on Fenbrook Avenue in St. Andrew.

He was featured prominently in the JCF’s ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ campaign and was listed as a person of interest for several years in relation to other cases.

Ashley who the JCF says was one of its high-risk targets, was allegedly involved in multiple gun-related incidents.

Lawmen say he was the sixth man who escaped on July 21, last year, after a police team thwarted a murder plot on Jacks Hill road.

That confrontation resulted in the seizure of five firearms, including an M16 rifle and a shotgun.

The JCF notes that while Ashley evaded capture during the confrontation on Jacks Hill road, his apprehension last evening was handled without the loss of life.

Head of the Crime and Security Portfolio, Deputy Commissioner of Police Richard Stewart stated that this outcome shows the JCF’s commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of life when suspects choose to submit to lawful arrest.