Correction/Clarification

The Gleaner yesterday, under the heading ‘Would-be robber killed’, reported an incident which was alleged to have taken place in Regal Plaza on Monday and resulted in the death of one man and the apprehension of another. While the story published in The Gleaner stated that some time after 10 a.m. on January 12 robbers walked into the Azan Supercentre in Cross Roads and demanded money, The Gleaner wishes to make it clear that the aforementioned account differs markedly from the official police report which stated, in part:

“Information received by the CCN is that about 10:15 a.m. a team of police was on patrol in the Cross Roads area. On reaching the Regal Plaza three men were seen acting in a suspicious manner. When accosted, two of the men pulled guns and opened fire at the team. The police returned the fire and one of the men was hit.”

Three would-be robbers were stopped in their tracks on Monday when they attempted to stage a brazen daylight attack at Azan's Supercentre in Cross Roads, St Andrew.

The incident unfolded sometime after 10 a.m. According to reports, the thieves walked into the establishment and demanded money. When their demands were not met, they brandished handguns, but one assailant was shot dead, reportedly by a licensed firearm holder.

In later reports, the police claimed responsibility for the shooting.

The police, who were quick on the scene, chased and held one of the culprits a short distance away while the third man escaped. The lawmen seized an illegal handgun found on the dead man.

"Yes, man. Them rather dead young more than dead poor, and them no waan work, them couldn't wait until the sun come up little more before they come a look free money," remarked one bystander as many others converged on the scene.

Customers at the nearby tax office were also inconvenienced as police cordoned off the area where their vehicles were parked and the facility was subsequently closed for the day.

- R.T.