Chaos erupted in Spanish Town, Jamaica, over the weekend, as residents took to the streets in protest, resulting in the arrest of 22 individuals, according to Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, head of the St Catherine North Police Division.
The unrest stemmed from the news of the death of reputed Clansman gang enforcer Sheldon Walters, also known as Termite, who was shot and killed in a shootout with the police on Friday night.
What began as expressions of anger and grief soon turned into vandalism, with residents blocking sections of Burke Road, Salt Pond Road, and the Spanish Town Bypass, and even targeting local establishments such as the KFC store on Burke Road.
Superintendent Nicholson disclosed that among those detained, two are being investigated in connection with a murder and shooting case, while the others were apprehended as part of the police’s efforts to maintain public order.
“We will be continuing the enforcement throughout the division to bring a state of peace to those persons who are desirous of going about their lawful businesses,” Nicholson said.
Relatives of the detainees gathered at the Spanish Town Police Station, vehemently declaring the innocence of their loved ones, claiming they were coerced into participating in the road blockades.
Confirming the removal of all roadblocks in Spanish Town, Nicholson emphasized the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the area.
Curfew imposed
In response to the escalating situation, a 24-hour curfew has been imposed in various sections of St Catherine, including Top Banks, Oxford Road, and Spanish Town. The curfew, effective from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday, aims to restore calm and prevent further unrest.
On Saturday, it was reported that another man, identified as Charles McDonald, was shot and killed in an alleged confrontation with the police in the town.
In a bid to restore order and quell the violence, a significant police presence flooded the streets of Spanish Town, signaling the authorities’ determination to maintain law and order in the area.
Several businesses in the town also closed for the weekend, in response to the unrest.
