Police on site at a roadblock in Orange St James following the killing of three men by officers
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Several residents of Hellgate and other areas in Orange, St James staged a protest on Thursday decrying what they say is the unwarranted fatal shooting of three men on Tuesday.
Residents took to the streets on Boxing Day and blocked three different sections of the Orange main road to showcase their feelings on the matter in which three men, who have been identified as Alex Medley, Rojay Duncan and one only as Max, were killed.
According to a police report, officers had gone into the community to execute a search warrant for a person of interest in relation to a flare up of violence in Rose Heights, St James.
Violence has contributed to several murders and shootings in the parish, including the death of social media influencer, Marlon Samuels otherwise called “41 Busshead.”
The police said they came under gunfire and when the fire was returned, three men were found to have been fatally wounded and three firearms seized following that confrontation.
However, residents have disputed that account of events, declaring that the men had peacefully surrendered to the police when they were approached in the early morning.
This led to the roadblock on Thursday with residents using a variety of objects to obstruct vehicular traffic on sections of the roadway.
Roadblock in Orange St James following the killing of three men by officers
Armed with placards, residents hurled insults at the police, who were nearby, as they expressed their displeasure at the situation declaring that the men were innocent.
“Justice, justice,” one of the protestors was heard shouting.
The fire department was called in to clear the blockages.
The police have been maintaining a presence in the area since the event.