Former JCF member killed after alleged taxi takeover in Kingston

A 34-year-old former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force was shot dead by police on Wednesday evening after he allegedly commandeered a taxi, fired at officers and tried to get away through Kingston.

Police sources identified him as Sean Raby. They said he had been removed from the JCF before finishing his probation, following misconduct and behaviour viewed as damaging to the organisation's discipline and reputation.

Reports say Raby entered a taxi about 6:20 p.m. as a passenger travelling towards downtown Kingston. While on the route, the driver reportedly stopped to collect a woman, and an argument developed after Raby allegedly objected.

The matter worsened when the taxi operator reportedly realised Raby had a gun. The driver, fearing he could be harmed, allegedly put the vehicle in neutral, got out and flagged down a nearby police patrol.

Police say Raby then took over the taxi and drove off, leading officers on a chase across sections of the city. During the pursuit, he allegedly shot at the police.

The vehicle later slammed into a light pole on Camp Road. Investigators say Raby was shot and killed during an encounter with the officers that followed.

A 9mm handgun containing nine rounds was reportedly seized at the location.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has started an inquiry into the incident. It is the first security-force fatal shooting recorded for June. Up to June 3, members of the security forces had fatally shot 139 people since the beginning of the year.