Fifty-five people have been fatally shot by members of the security forces since the start of the year.

One of the latest incidents occurred in Hanover this morning.

Dead is Rushawn Patterson, who was charged for the 2022 murder of social media influencer Aneka “Slickiana” Townsend

Patterson, who was on bail, was fatally shot by police in Dundee Pen, Lucea, shortly before 7:00 a.m.

According to reports, on February 2, lawmen interrogated Patterson in relation to several criminal activities and later released him pending further investigations.

Police later received information that Patterson, who was allegedly a part of the Blood Gang, and other members were planning a series of criminal activities in Hanover and St. James.

This morning, an operation aimed at apprehending Patterson was conducted in Dundee Pen.

During the operation, Patterson reportedly challenged the police and was fatally shot.

A gun was reportedly seized following the incident.

Meantime, a man was fatally shot during a joint police / military operation in Lizard Town, Tivoli Gardens, Kingston 14, this morning.

Dead is 26 year old Kamau Dudney, otherwise called “Stamma”, of Drecketts Place in Tivoli Gardens.

Head of the Area 4 police, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps said the incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m.

He said Dudney is believed to have been a member of the Tivoli / Young Generation Gang.

ACP Phipps said the operations will continue in all divisions across Area 4.