Jamaica: 21-year-old detained, charged for illegal possession of firearm

Kingston, Jamaica: A 21-year-old individual has been detained and charged with the counts of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

The man has been identified as Joseph Carter. This arrest has been made following an incident that happened along Four Forty Drive, Kingston 11, on Saturday.

As per the report of the police authorities, around 8 pm, a patrol team was crossing along the roadway when the 21-year-old was seen sitting on a bench in the company of five other men.

On seeing the vehicle of police officers, Carter tried to run away and quickly went inside the nearby yard.

The police officers quickly followed him, after which the accused was reportedly observed pulling a firearm from the front of his waistband, which he tossed inside a room in front of where he was standing.

The police officers caught Carter, after which a Glock pistol, along with the ammunition, was retrieved. The magazine possessed eight 9mm rounds; afterwards, he was detained and charged for illegal possession.

Similar kinds of cases are reported on a daily basis in Jamaica. This is giving rise to the gang-violence and significantly contributing to the increasing crime rate of the island, which is a threat to its tourism industry.

The crime rate is increasing at a massive rate, causing Prime Minister Andrew Holness to impose a state of emergency in the hotspot regions of criminal activity.

In another incident reported, a Barber was shot dead on Red Hills Road yesterday. The reports state that a man was walking in the region when armed men approached him on motorbikes and opened fire on him.

The Barber was the owner of a quite famous shop in the area. The police arrived at the crime scene and are investigating the case.

No further or any statement has not been issued yet by the police officials.