Suspect killed in Southboro shootout after biting officer during arrest

A predawn confrontation between law enforcement and an armed man in Portmore left one person dead yesterday after what officers describe as a fierce struggle in which the suspect allegedly bit a policeman while trying to take his gun.

The man, who has not been identified, was fatally wounded during the encounter in Southboro, St Catherine.

According to reports, around 1:20 a.m. a police patrol responded to intelligence that armed men were moving through the area in a Toyota Voxy. The team stopped the vehicle and the driver pulled over as directed.

One passenger then got out with a gun, fired at the officers, and ran, while the driver drove off. Police pursued the fleeing man but eventually lost track of him.

Later searches brought officers to a residence on Gilden Way, where they were told someone was concealed inside. With permission to enter, they took the suspect into custody.

Authorities say that at the time of the arrest the man had a pistol tucked in his waistband. He is alleged to have lunged at an officer, biting the policeman’s finger as he fought to grab the service weapon. In the scuffle, he reportedly clamped down with his teeth, pushed the officer, and succeeded in pulling the gun free.

Officers then opened fire on him. He was later seen holding a nine millimetre Browning pistol loaded with a magazine carrying four rounds.

The man was transported to Spanish Town Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has opened an inquiry into the matter.