Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

The police have taken three suspects into custody in connection with the knife and gun slaying of a 23-year-old policeman on Monday night.

Constable Richard Alexander, who joined the force five years ago, became the fifth lawman to be killed by criminals since the start of the year.

Constable Alexander of the St. Andrew South Police Division was attached to the Hunts Bay Police Station. The constable, who was living in the Canaa Area near May Pen, Clarendon, was found in a pool of blood along Junior Crescent, about 8:00 a.m. yesterday. He had reportedly gone to settle a domestic dispute when he was killed.

"Our investigations revealed that he went into the area and was pounced upon by a group of thugs ... said Camille Tracy, the Constabulary Communications Network's liaison officer for Clarendon.

On suspension

The Gleaner also learnt that Alexander, who was on suspension for the last two years awaiting the outcome of a gun-related charge, was last seen alive on Monday evening by residents.

Several policemen who claimed to be affiliated with Alexander described him as a good person who will be sadly missed.