Man shot by police in St Mary during arrest escapes from hospital
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The St Mary police have launched a manhunt for a man who escaped custody at a hospital, where he was taken for treatment after being shot by police when he allegedly attacked them during his arrest.
Being sought is 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, who the police say also goes by the name ‘Junior Ballentine’, who is being asked to turn himself in immediately.
The police say Ballentine managed to flee the hospital after overpowering cops and personnel from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
The police report that about 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, a police team was investigating noise complaints at a bar in Frazerwood district in St Mary when they heard explosions sounding like gunshots.
The team reportedly went to investigate and were led to wake in another section of the community.
On their arrival at the wake, the police reportedly saw a man acting in a
manner that aroused their suspicion.
The police team attempted to accost him, but he fled.
The police say subsequent enquiries saw Ballentine emerging as the suspect who fled the wake.
The police team conducted an operation at a house in the community in a bid to further their investigations.
According to the police, Ballentine attacked a member of the police team with a knife and was shot.
He was arrested and transported to hospital for treatment.
Ballentine was interviewed by personnel from INDECOM while at the hospital and was released into police custody.
The police say on Friday, October 3, around 5:15 p.m, he escaped from the hospital by overpowering INDECOM and police personnel when they removed his handcuffs to allow him to affix his signature to the statement collected.
The police say the areas surrounding the hospital were searched, but he was not found.
Ballentine is now being urged to turn himself in immediately.
Persons in and around Port Maria and Highgate are asked to be on the lookout for any strangers in their communities, and are encouraged to call the police immediately if they see anything suspicious.
Family members and friends are being reminded that it is an offence to harbour an escapee, and are advised to make contact with detectives at the Port Maria Police Station to make arrangements for Ballentine’s peaceful surrender.
The contact number is 876-994-9873.
Meanwhile, the police say during the operation at Ballentine's house a man who was there was arrested and three imitation firearms were seized.
That investigation continues.
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