Police on Friday reported that one of the main suspects in the recent escalation of gun violence in the volatile community of August Town in St Andrew was nabbed during a police operation in West Kingston on Wednesday.

The man, whose identity is being withheld pending an identification parade, was picked up by police from the Denham Town station at Jamaica Street in Craig Town.
Police say he is wanted for several crimes, including murder, shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm.
Head of the Kingston West police, Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, told the Observer that a hands-on-based policing strategy that has been employed in his division resulted in the man's capture.

"We have been experiencing peace and quiet in the division and we intend to keep it that way," said Hewitt. "We have a lid on things, so as soon as strange persons or itinerant criminals come into this division we are able to identify them and remove them quickly."

Police say the man is a member of a gang based in the Goldsmith Villa section of August Town.

Two weekends ago, four persons, including a one-year-old child, were shot and killed in August Town, and continuing violence has made life unbearable for the law-abiding citizens of the community, despite a heavy security presence.

Since last Monday, more police and soldiers have been deployed in the community, which has resulted in a lull in the violence.

According to head of the St Andrew Central police division, Superintendent George Quallo, the police intend to keep it that way.

"Things have been calm since we have upped the ante," said Quallo. "Our presence has resulted in the criminals fleeing the area."

King of the dancehall indeed

Dark Knight sets record

Cascadara, a musical lesson in forgiveness