Neville Paul, Gleaner Writer
SANTA CRUZ, St. Elizabeth:
MAYHEM ERUPTED in Slipe, St. Elizabeth, during a police operation yesterday in which an alleged wanted man was killed, three service
vehicles damaged and several persons, including a Television Jamaica (TVJ) cameraman, were injured.
Reports are that at about 5:30 a.m., a team of 20 policemen from the St. Elizabeth Police Division went to the area in search of Roger Banton, who has been wanted since last June, in connection with murder and arson charges.
On reaching the community, the lawmen simultaneously cordoned off three houses. The police reportedly knocked on one door and called on its occupants. Mr. Banton opened the door.
It is said that he confronted the police with a firearm, which he pointed at them. The cops say they took evasive action and Mr. Banton was shot.
Shortly after, an angry mob converged on the scene, hurling stones and firing shots, preventing the police from removing the injured man. During the mêlée, five lawmen, including the superintendent in charge of St. Elizabeth, Fitzgerald Barrett, were injured and their units damaged.
Unable to contain the situation, the police fled the area and returned with reinforcement. Upon their return, they again clashed with the mob, during which the TVJ cameraman, Rodney Longmore, received injuries to his head and other parts of his body. His camera and motor car were also damaged. He was rushed to the Black River Hospital for treatment.
Up to press time, a team of investigators from the Bureau of Special Investigation and senior members of the police hierarchy were in the community investigating the incident.
