Crime, crash and smart parking developments reported across Jamaica

Police are investigating several major incidents reported across Jamaica, including a deadly family dispute, a curfew in March Pen, a fatal Ocho Rios crash and a confrontation in Clarendon that left an alleged gunman dead.

Reports say 23-year-old Travis Williams was involved in an argument with his mother and brothers shortly after 1:00 a.m. when the dispute turned violent. A 19-year-old relative allegedly attacked family members with a machete. Williams died at the scene, while two other relatives were taken to hospital. The suspect remains in police custody.

In St. Catherine, a 48-hour curfew has been imposed in sections of March Pen. It began at 6:00 p.m. Friday and is scheduled to end at 6:00 p.m. Sunday. The measure follows the killing of 35-year-old Roshane Beckford, a physical education teacher at Ascot High School. Beckford was shot Friday after reportedly going to another section of the community when told someone needed help. Police say the matter is being investigated and is believed to be connected to tension among residents in parts of March Pen. The curfew covers areas including Salt Island Road, the Spanish Town Bypass and Salt Pond.

In St. Ann, 65-year-old Claudette Thorpe died Saturday morning after being hit by a Toyota Mark X along the Ocho Rios main road about 6:00 a.m. CCTV footage reportedly showed the vehicle moving at high speed and out of control before striking her on a sidewalk. The driver is in hospital under police guard.

In Clarendon, a policeman avoided serious injury Friday when a bullet hit his vest during a reported confrontation in Effortville. The officer, attached to an effort team, was hospitalised in stable condition. Police say 23-year-old O'Neil Hamilton, also called Jay or Putty, was fatally shot, and a firearm was recovered.

Montego Bay also commissioned its first automated car park on Harbour Street Thursday. Mayor Richard Vernon said the system forms part of plans to move the city toward smart-city operations, improve revenue and bring more order to traffic management. Motorists will use an entry card and pay electronically on exit, based on how long they park.

Overseas, US officials said Venezuelan cartel leader Hector Rustenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, was killed in a US military strike. The Justice Department said he led Tren de Aragua, described by officials as a transnational terrorist organisation.