MANCHESTER, Jamaica — There were dramatic scenes in Mandeville on Friday night as police fatally shot two alleged gunmen and seized two firearms in a reported confrontation consisting of a running gun battle and high speed chase from the southern end of the town.

People were sent scampering for cover at multiple locations as police gave chase to a Toyota Axio from Newleigh Road to Manchester Road where the shooting subsided near Willowgate plaza where a bystander was reportedly grazed by a bullet.

Pump attendants and customers at the Newleigh Texaco Service Station took cover about 8:00 pm when a white Toyota Axio drove onto the gas station compound and gunshots rang out.

“I was there pumping gas in a Chinese man’s vehicle. He had his family inside and all I saw was a white Axio driving around the service station in circles and a black SUV was chasing it. Then suddenly there was heavy gunfire. The Chinese man didn’t even get to pay for the gas. He had to speed off the pump and get his family to safety,” said an alleged eyewitness.

Subsequently, the chase continued northerly on Manchester Road where eyewitnesses say the gun battle intensified at Willowgate.

“The amount of gunshot weh buss… Even some walls on buildings have bullet holes,” said another eyewitness who described the shooting as frightening.

Other alleged eyewitness also said the shooting happened at a busy time on Friday night.

“I saw a black vehicle a chase down another vehicle. Same time now I reach in the town I heard clang! Clang! Clang!” said an eyewitness.

“I had to run for shelter, but it nuh look good for Mandeville… man lef from other area come nasty up Mandeville.”

Some residents also commended the police for intercepting the alleged gunmen.

“From the police we feel good to know that the [alleged gunmen] never escape, so we feel good. We give them (police) the credit,” said another alleged eyewitness.

— Kasey Williams