KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has described as “a very sad moment” the death of police constable Ricardo Fairclough, who was shot during a robbery on Monday night in the St. Ann parish, situated on the north coast of the island.
“We are numb with pain at our colleagues’ demise,” the JCF said, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones.
Police said Fairclough, who was attached to the St Ann Divisional Operational Support Unit, had gone to the assistance of an unidentified woman who had been shot and injured during a robbery.
The police said the gunman reportedly turned his weapon on Fairclough and shot him in the upper body before escaping. The injured policeman and the civilian were assisted to the hospital where Fairclough succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The injured woman is said to be in critical condition.
The JCF said that its Chaplaincy Branch and Welfare Department are providing support to the family and friends of the slain cop.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s murder toll has surpassed 300 for the year with the JCF latest figures showing that as at April 13, there had been 311 murders, a 14 per cent decline or 50 fewer murders for the same period last year.
The police also reported a three per cent increase in shootings and that robberies are up one per cent, when compared with the corresponding period in 2023.
Last year, Jamaica recorded 1, 393 murders, a decline of 118 over the 2022 figure.
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