A car wash attendant is in police custody after allegedly stealing a Honda Stepwagon from his workplace in May Pen, Clarendon, and leading police on a high-speed chase and shootout in Mandeville, Manchester, on Tuesday.
According to preliminary reports, around 3:00 pm, the vehicle’s owner left her car at a car wash in May Pen. Not long after, she was alerted that an employee had driven off with her vehicle without permission.
Thanks to a GPS tracker, the stolen vehicle was located in a heavily vegetated area near the outskirts of Mandeville. The police were immediately notified and moved quickly to intercept the suspects.
Dramatic Chase Ends in Crash
The stolen vehicle was spotted on Caledonia Road, near a popular Burger King outlet. During the attempted stop, the suspect collided with multiple vehicles before crashing into a utility pole. A shootout reportedly followed, sending members of the public scrambling for safety.
The driver was apprehended at the scene, while two other men fled on foot and remain at large. Investigators believe the trio may have been plotting a robbery spree in Mandeville.
Swift Police Response Praised
A relative of the car owner commended the Mandeville police for their rapid response and professionalism.
“Jamaican police — I don’t have anything bad to say about them. Their quick response was key in this situation. Hats off to the police, especially the ones in Mandeville,” he said.
He also urged fellow Jamaicans to cooperate with law enforcement, stating that tighter security is essential for national development.
“If we don’t work with the police, we’re going to end up working with the criminals — and when criminals don’t get their way, they’ll get rid of you,” he warned.
Our Opinion
This incident reinforces the growing effectiveness of police technology and rapid response in Jamaica. The use of vehicle tracking and coordinated operations between parishes demonstrates progress. However, it also highlights the need for continued public vigilance and support for law enforcement to clamp down on crime before it escalates.
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