The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is in possession of CCTV footage that it is using to rigorously pursue leads in the shooting of a prominent businessman’s son and his friend outside the gates of Jamaica House along Hope Road in St Andrew on Wednesday morning.

Reports of the incident prompted heavy criticisms from the public regarding the JCF’s response time. Many also expressed frustration with what they perceived as a delayed reaction to the incident, emphasising the need for swifter and more efficient responses to such incidents outside Jamaica House.

Adding to the public’s discontent, the investigation of the crime scene lasted for several hours, causing a significant traffic pile-up in the Corporate Area during morning rush hours. Citizens voiced their frustrations on social media, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the extended closure of sections of Hope Road and the lengthy investigative process by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

In response, the JCF issued a statement detailing how the police responded after receiving reports of the incident.

Reports are that about 3 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, two men travelling in a Porsche SUV stopped in front of Jamaica House along Hope Road to change a flat tyre. They were approached by gunmen on motorcycles, who attempted to rob them. When they refused, the gunmen shot them, stole their belongings, and fled the scene.

The injured men contacted their relatives, who transported them to the hospital for treatment.

The JCF shared that police officers assigned to the Jamaica House Security Post responded to
explosions heard during what is believed to be a robbery in progress. They were soon interrupted by the police, who arrived on the scene at 3:02 a.m.

The Police Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) was notified about the incident and dispatched a patrol team from the St Andrew Division, who arrived on the scene at 3:16 a.m., seven minutes later.

The JCF further shared that upon their arrival, they assisted one of the victims into a private vehicle that transported him to the hospital. The other victim, who reportedly fled the scene during the shooting, was found shortly after and received medical care.

INDECOM was contacted at 4:11 a.m. to process the scene. However, they did not start their investigation until 6:13 a.m.

“The JCF emphasises the rapid response and comprehensive action taken by all its units involved, demonstrating our commitment to public safety and our responsiveness to criminal activities. Victim support and investigative procedures were initiated immediately, following protocol to ensure the well-being of the victims and the integrity of the crime scene,” the JCF wrote in their statement.

The JCF added that family members of the victims have been updated on their condition, and the necessary support is being provided.