A man was fatally shot and 6 weapons were seized after gunmen engaged the police in a shootout, in Gregory Park, St. Catherine, this morning (August 4).

The deceased has not yet been identified.

Head of the St. Catherine South Police, Senior Superintendent, Christopher Phillips told IRIE FM news that about 5 AM, lawmen responded to reports of several houses being set ablaze by gunmen in the community.

SSP Phillips said while along the Dyke Road area, the lawmen who were responding to the incident were challenged by gunmen.

He added that lawmen believe that the area is the base for criminal operations in the community.

SSP Phillips has named four people, who he believes may be able to assist lawmen in their investigations.

This morning’s incident follows a similar incident in the community on Tuesday, when two houses were firebombed, allegedly by gangsters.

At least three people were left homeless, in that incident.

A curfew was imposed in the community on Tuesday evening and was slated to end at 6 PM today.

Meantime, one resident, whose home was set ablaze in Gregory Park early this morning told IRIE FM news that he has suffered nearly one million dollars in losses.

At least 8 houses were completely destroyed by fire, and one was partially burnt after they were reportedly bottle-bombed by gangsters at around 1 am.

The resident, who refused to be named or recorded, said despite not being involved in any criminal activity, he is being affected by the crime and violence in the community.

He pleaded with the police to do more to stem the ongoing issue of violence in the area.

According to the resident, the police are aware of the troublesome areas and are moving too slow to thwart the activities of criminals.

He said too many innocent residents are suffering.