POLICE SAY INTELLIGENCE LED THEM TO ST MARY HIDEOUT
Police said they shot dead, in St Mary, a person of interest in a double murder in St James. Dead is Odane Barrett, also known as Jungle.
The police say Barrett was shot by a joint police team in the parish of St Mary in the early hours of November 22, 2023.
A relative of Barrett’s has disputed the police version of the story that Barrett shot at them.
Here are excerpts from the police report on the incident
“The intelligence-led operation comprised of members from St. James and the Area 2 Operations Support Team, successfully located the high-profile Person of Interest in Mason Hall, St. Mary.
“The man, identified as Odane Barrett, also known as ‘Jungle’, of Bird Hill, Meggie Top in Salt Spring, St. James, was a Person of Interest in connection with a recent double murder that ignited a major feud in the Salt Spring area. During the operation, the man engaged the officers with gunfire, which was duly returned.
“ He sustained injuries and, despite prompt medical attention and transportation to Port Maria Hospital, was pronounced deceased.
“This operation is a significant marker in our ongoing efforts under the recently implemented State of Public Emergency in the parish of St. James. The initiative has already yielded positive results, underscoring our commitment to combating crime and enhancing safety for all citizens. Since the start of the SOPE, there have been no major crimes reported in the St James division.
“The Jamaica Constabulary Force remains steadfast in its mission. Moving forward, the St. James police will intensify operational activities to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice other individuals who contribute to violence and instability in the community. “
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