KINGSTON, Jamaica – At about 3pm Thursday, May 21, six Canadian visitors in Jamaica were on a self organized excursion to Kingston from Montego Bay. They were traveling in the vicinity of Downtown Kingston in a Mitsubishi Grandis, colour grey, license plate 0445BH.
The vehicle was in a line of traffic traveling along Spanish Town Road, when shots were heard. The vehicle was hit, the right rear passenger window was shattered and there was damage to the front windshield. The occupants believe that they heard three shots.
Immediately after the incident, the driver saw a sign directing him to KPH Hospital.
One of the occupants, a 32 year-old male was slightly injured by shattered glass. The other occupants, one male and four females, were shocked by the incident, they were otherwise unharmed.
The police were immediately called and attended the hospital where, after treatment of the male, they were taken to a police office where statements were taken.
They were also met by members of the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board, and supported by the Office of the Prime Minister who arranged for transport to their hotel in Montego Bay.
Although this is a very serious incident involving tourists, it should be pointed out that it is an extremely rare occurrence. Jamaicans pride themselves in welcoming and being hospitable to tourists and business visitors to the island.
A police investigation into the incident has been launched and it is believed from initial reports that the shooting occurred in the inner city area near Coronation market.
Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact local police at Denham Town CIB, Detective Inspector Coleman 923 6443 or CrimeStoppers on 311 or 811.
