Three men killed, two cops injured in alleged St Catherine shootout
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A dramatic late-night gunbattle between police and gunmen along the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine has left three men dead and two members of the police force injured.
Reports are that about 10:30 p.m., lawmen intercepted a white Toyota Axio motor car with five men aboard. Upon being signalled to stop, the men reportedly opened fire on the police, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the shootout, two policemen were shot. One of them was treated and released, while the other remains hospitalised in stable condition.
Three of the gunmen were also hit during the reported exchange and were later pronounced dead at hospital.
Two others managed to escape the scene while reportedly continuing to fire at the police.
Investigators say two firearms were recovered from the scene.
A major manhunt has since been launched to capture the two men who escaped.
Police sources say the interception of the men was part of ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting armed criminal groups operating in St Catherine and surrounding areas.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has been notified and is probing the incident.
- Ruddy Mathison
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