The seizure of three illegal firearms in three days was featured in St Catherine North Police Division’s report on its activities from the start of the year to Monday, November 11, during which officers said they seized 51 firearms illegal and 525 rounds of ammunition in the possession of criminals.

This, according to Commanding Officer Divisional Superintendent Hopton Nicholson, was an increase on the same period last year when 46 illegal weapons and 453 rounds of ammunition were seized.

Nicholson made the announcement at a news conference Monday, saying three of the guns seized this year, along with 47 rounds of ammunition, were taken off the streets between Saturday and Monday.

During those incidents over the weekend, two men were shot by police during what police said were confrontations. They also reported that two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were shot and wounded during one of the incidents.

“The first was on Saturday November 9 shortly after midnight on Job Lane. A man attacked plainclothes police officers with a firearm. The police immediately took evasive measures (fire returned), and the man was shot and wounded. A 9mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds was seized from this man. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” Nicholson said.

“It should be noted that this man was seen by police in the Old Port area on Friday morning sometime after 9:00am where he appeared to be a construction (work) worker in one of the housing schemes. He was also seen at a vigil in Point Hill sometime after 9pm on Saturday. The awakening was not allowed,” he said.

“We use this opportunity to remind decent, law-abiding citizens to contact the police before hiring strangers to do any work at their home or place of business. We also ask that people check with the police before letting your premises for business or even temporary accommodation. You never know who you’ve invited into your personal space,” Nicholson said.

The second firearm was seized by members of the St Catherine Fugitive Apprehension Team who were conducting an operation in the Berry district of the Riversdale area in search of a wanted man and his friends.

“When the police approached, a man engaged them in a fierce fight. He was shot and wounded. Later, he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A loaded firearm with an extended magazine, which has the capacity to hold 30 rounds, was taken from him. This magazine was found in the firearm with 14 rounds of ammunition. Another magazine loaded with 10 rounds was also seized. Two policemen suffered minor injuries. The injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time,” said the senior constable.

Nicholson also reported that at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, a man became suspicious of police who were in the process of shutting down an “unsanctioned” event in the St Jago Gardens area of ​​Spanish Town.

“The man … was searched and a 9mm handgun with 13 rounds was taken from him. He was later arrested,” Nicholson said.

“We use this opportunity to remind citizens to apply to the police and all other relevant agencies for the necessary permits to host events. The police will monitor events that they are aware of and have given the appropriate permission,” Nicholson said, stressing that heightened operational activities will continue across the division.

Nicholson also used the news conference to highlight the killing of Sergeant Patrick Mahoney, 54, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot at his home in Portmore, St Catherine, on Thursday night. Mahoney died Monday morning. He was assigned to the police station of the Spanish city.

Sergeant Mahoney had arrived home just before 10pm on Thursday when he was accosted by masked gunmen as he exited his vehicle.

“It’s a tough time for our division. This is the third person we have lost in the last three weeks, but this is the first to experience violence. Our police officers are exposed to violence every day, whether at work or at home, and while we implore them to be as safe as possible, we want the general public to know that we will not give up on this fight against crime. and criminal activity and we will do everything in our power to deny criminals the opportunities to commit crimes,” he said.