Policeman Shot and Killed by Gunmen In Portmore

The police force is in mourning, following the brutal slaying of one of its members in Portmore, St. Catherine early Sunday morning. He has been identified as Sergeant Averel Mccollin, who was attached to the Hunts Bay Police Station in St Andrew.

In the wee hours of Sunday morning, five friends decided to enjoy a game of dominoes in their community of Gregory Park, St. Catherine. The game ended sometime after 1 am when a vehicle approached the group. It is reported that six men exited the vehicle armed with high-powered rifles spraying the area with bullets where the men sat.

It is understood that a Sergeant of Police at the Hunts Bay Police Station sustained gunshot wounds in the daring attack. Superintendent of Police for St. Catherine South Division Christopher Phillip says the superintendent was rushed to the hospital however he was later pronounced dead.

Phillips says the Gregory Park area has a serious gang problem that needs serious intervention. He says the police will continue to maintain their presence within the area to ensure the residents are secured as they work overtime to bring these perpetrators to justice.

Phillips says the bad apples are just a handful and encourages citizens to cooperate with the police as they make an effort to bring the space to peace.

A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the gunmen involved in the attack.