Persons listed as wanted by the police are being urged to avoid engaging the cops in gun battles, as they will not win.
This, from Commanding Officer for the St. James police division, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Vernon Ellis.
The statement follows the fatal shooting of one of St. James’ most wanted men, 26-year-old Tevon Johnson, otherwise called ‘Poppy’, during an alleged confrontation with members of the joint anti-gang task force, on Crawford Street in Mount Salem, St. James, last night (July 11).
Reports are that at about 11:45 PM, the team was carrying out an intelligence-led operation within the Mount Salem Zone of Special Operation, when they were greeted with gunfire.
The fire was returned and Johnson was later found suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at hospital.
A Walter ARMC pistol, along with a magazine, were allegedly seized during the operation.
Noting that Johnson was urged to turn himself in prior to his death, SSP Ellis said it is always the desire of the police to arrest wanted persons and take them before the court.
He urged them to not test the competencies of trained members of the security forces.
SSP Ellis urged another man on the wanted list – Oshane Francis – to turn himself in.
Police have allegedly linked Francis to recent violent incidents in Mount Salem.