A St. Mary man who was getting treatment at hospital, after being shot and wounded by police during an alleged confrontation, reportedly escaped custody yesterday.

29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, otherwise called Junior Ballentine, is being urged to turn himself in immediately.

Ballentine had been arrested for allegedly stabbing and wounding a police officer.

Reports are that on Thursday, a police team was investigating complaints of noise from a bar in Frazerwood district, when they heard explosions.

The team reportedly went to investigate and was led to a wake in another section of the community.

On their arrival, the police reportedly saw a man acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion.

The police team attempted to accost him, but he fled.

It was later determined that Ballentine was the suspect who fled the wake.

In a bid to further their investigations, the police conducted an operation at a house.

The premises was occupied by Ballentine and another man.

A search of the house resulted in the seizure of three imitation firearms.

The other man was arrested.

Further reports are that Ballentine allegedly attacked a member of the police team with a knife and was shot.

He was taken into custody and transported to hospital for treatment.

While at the hospital, Ballentine was being interviewed by personnel from the Independent Commission of Investigation (Indecom).

It is reported that the handcuffs were removed to allow Ballentine to affix his signature to the statement collected.

He then over powered the Indecom and police personnel and escaped.  

The police searched areas surrounding the hospital, but he was not found.

Persons in and around Port Maria and Highgate are being asked to be on the lookout for any strangers in their communities.

They are also being encouraged to call the police immediately if they notice anything suspicious.

Ballentine’s relatives and friends are being reminded that it is an offence to harbour an escapee.

They should instead contact detectives at the Port Maria police station to make arrangements for Ballentine’s peaceful surrender.