Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Vendor Fatally Shot in Head by Gunman at Savanna-La-Mar Market in Westmoreland

A shocking incident unfolded this morning at the Savanna-La-Mar Market in Westmoreland, as a vendor was shot dead in the head by a gunman on a motorcycle while unloading his fruits.

The victim has been identified as Owen James, a 55-year-old resident of the Mafoota district in St James.

According to the police report, the tragic event occurred around 6:10 am when James was in the process of removing fruits from his motor vehicle. At that moment, a motorcycle carrying two men approached the scene.

Without warning, one of the individuals on the motorcycle pulled out a firearm and fired a fatal shot at James, striking him in the head. Following the shocking act, the assailants quickly fled the area, leaving James in critical condition.

Emergency services were promptly called, and James was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The local police force has launched an investigation into the incident, which is currently in its early stages. Detectives are tirelessly working to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators responsible for this brutal crime.

This tragic incident comes as a devastating blow to the community, particularly in light of recent reports of robberies and murders allegedly carried out by a syndicate of criminals operating in Westmoreland. This syndicate is believed to have formed alliances with criminals from outside the parish, leading to a surge in criminal activities targeting various business establishments, including supermarkets and bars.

The escalating violence has left business owners and operators on edge, as fear for their lives, the safety of their workers, and the security of their properties looms over their daily operations.

In an effort to address this concerning situation, the police have scheduled a meeting with business owners tomorrow evening. The aim of this meeting is to foster collaboration and develop effective strategies to combat the rising wave of robberies and murders.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Adrian Hamilton, who oversees operations in the Westmoreland Police Division, expressed his determination to bring an end to this surge of criminal activity. In a recent interview with The Gleaner, he stated, “I am confident that it is only a matter of time before we crush this latest surge, which we believe is being carried out by greedy and reckless terrorists intent on creating mayhem in the parish.”

The local community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, as their cooperation is crucial in the fight against crime.

– Albert Ferguson

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