Man shot dead after allegedly pointing gun at police in Kingston; INDECOM probing

The Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) is probing the fatal shooting of a man by members of the security forces during an operation in Bayshore Park, Harbour View in eastern Kingston on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Oneil Dickens otherwise called 'Rupie', a 38-year-old labourer from Bayshore Park.

The police allege that a .38 revolver with six rounds was taken from him.

Reports are that about 6:30 a.m., officers entered a premises where they allegedly observed a man armed with a firearm.

According to the police, the man pointed the weapon at the officers, prompting them to discharge their firearms in his direction.

The man was shot and wounded during the confrontation.

He was transported to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

INDECOM, which investigates incidents involving the security forces that result in death or injury, is now leading the probe into the fatal shooting.

As at February 13, some 36 people have been fatally shot during reported confrontations with the police.

January recorded 28 such killings, while eight persons have died in similar incidents so far in February.

The Bayshore Park community was also in the spotlight on Thursday following the brutal murder of two women, Phyllis 'Munchie' Powell, 37, and Merna Robinson, 82, who were reportedly relatives.

It has not yet been determined whether the man killed in this morning’s incident had any connection to that crime.

- Andre Williams

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