Four shot, three fatally, in alleged police confrontation in Osborne Store, Clarendon

Three men were fatally shot during a reported confrontation with the police in Comfort district, Osborne Store, Clarendon on Friday night.

A fourth man is in hospital.

Two firearms along with ammunition were reportedly seized.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area 3, Christopher Phillips, said intelligence suggests that the police’s action may have thwarted potential shootings and murders, stating that the men were “up to no good”.

The deceased have been identified as 26-year-old Michael Pinnock, also known as ‘Size Ten’, of Swansea in Clarendon; 35-year-old Dean Williams, also known as ‘Sam’ and ‘Crazy Block’, a mechanic of York Town and Swansea in the parish; and 25-year-old Rushane Lynch, also known as ‘Juvenile’ and ‘Courtney’, of Raymonds in Hayes, Clarendon, and Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine.

Phillips said the police were conducting an operation in the area when they signalled a grey Honda Fit with four men aboard to stop.

According to Phillips, the driver complied, but exited the vehicle armed with a weapon and confronted the police.

“The driver complied but came out pointing a weapon at the team, and in the same breath, it is reported that the other occupants began firing at the police party,” Phillips said.

He said that when the shooting subsided, three of the occupants were found suffering from gunshot wounds.

The driver, however, reportedly escaped on foot.

“The fourth man, identified as the driver, later turned up at hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand,” Phillips added.

Phillips commended the work of the police and urged residents to maintain trust in the constabulary force, noting that the safety of citizens remains the police’s top priority.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.