About 7:00 a.m. officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department, Castries were summoned to the scene of a fatal police involved shooting at Bagatelle, Castries.
A major joint police operation was initiated earlier, across various communities, which involved the execution of search warrants, vehicular check points, foot and mobile patrols.
The intent of the operation was to address gun related incidents, reports of theft, arrest individuals on Warrants of Arrests in the First Instance, secure suspects in reports where offenders were identified and to increase police-community engagement.
During the conduct of a vehicular checkpoint at Cacoa, Castries, officers were directed to a suspicious motor vehicle, which was engaged, but failed to stop. Two occupants were identified within the vehicle.
Following a pursuit, the motor car was discovered by officers at Bagatelle. One of the two occupants was still within, whilst it appeared the second individual was injured during the encounter.
He was subsequently confirmed as deceased by a medical practitioner. He has been identified as Jovian Willie alias “Heng-dem” of Marc, Bexon.
Initial investigations in the matter indicate that the motorcar was stolen from its owner at gunpoint earlier in the day. It was confirmed that officers had cause to discharge firearms during the encounter. A firearm was also recovered from the deceased suspect in this matter.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is soliciting the assistance of the general public in identifying and securing the arrest of the second suspect who fled the motor vehicle. Anyone with information in this regard is asked to contact the nearest police station, the Crime Hotline App or the Crime Hotline (555).
SOURCE: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. PHOTO: Armed officer takes part in police operation (File image).
