Tivoli Gardens shooting suspect charged after West Kingston police operation

Police have charged the 24-year-old man wounded in a law-enforcement operation in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston, last week. Vamaria Gordon faces counts of shooting with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.

Officers were on operation along the Bustamante Highway on Tuesday, July 14, when they encountered armed men. Gordon was hit and injured in the resulting exchange of gunfire.

Residents later demonstrated over the shooting. West Kingston Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie attended the scene and was pepper-sprayed as police tried to take one of the protesters into custody.

A search of the area yielded a Smith and Wesson Springfield 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine holding four live 9mm rounds, three pistol magazines, one M16 rifle magazine, and 21 rounds of 7.62 ammunition.

In a separate development, five wanted men were arrested in a major police operation in St. Mary as the force steps up action against crime in the parish. Alex Coburn, also known as Lex, was charged in connection with a double murder. Malik White faces robbery with aggravation. Marlon James, also known as Alicat, was charged with wounding with intent involving a firearm. Jerome Malcolm was charged with shooting with intent. Alex Courage faces simple larceny, unauthorised access to computer data, and eight further offences.

Superintendent Anthony Wallace, commanding officer of the St. Mary Police Division, said the division remains committed to pursuing wanted persons and those behind criminal activity in the parish.