Prisoner who escaped Freeport police lock up shot dead

Police are reporting that one the of six escapees from the Freeport police lock-up in Montego Bay, St. James was shot and killed during a shootout with lawmen, this morning (December 11).

Commander of the St. James police division, Senior Superintendent, Steve McGregor says a targeted operation was carried out in the Spring Mount area in search of two of the escapees.

Dead is 21-year old Benjamin Stephenson of Hanover.

This morning’s operation was led by the St. James police, and members of the mobile reserve.

In an interview with Irie FM News this afternoon, SSP McGregor says while conducting the operation, the men engaged the police in a shootout.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the escapees was fatally shot.

The police are appealing to residents or family members of the other wanted men to hand them over to the police.

The six men reportedly escaped through part of a plumbing system at a bathroom at the jail.

SSP Steve McGregor says the police are following strong leads to apprehend the men.