Ex-Cop Fatally Shot After Alleged Taxi Hijacking and Gun Battle With Police in Kingston
A former police officer who was allegedly involved in the hijacking of a taxi was shot and killed following a dramatic chase and gun battle with law enforcement officers across sections of Kingston on Wednesday afternoon.
The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old Mark Anthony Sean Raby, a former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who was reportedly dismissed from the organisation for misconduct before completing his probationary period.
According to police reports, the incident began shortly after 4:30 p.m. when Raby allegedly flagged down a white Toyota Probox taxi travelling toward Cross Roads. The vehicle was reportedly boarded near the intersection of Duke Street and North Street in downtown Kingston.
Investigators say the situation escalated along Marescaux Road after the taxi stopped to pick up a female passenger. An argument allegedly developed between Raby and the taxi driver before the driver reportedly noticed that the former cop was armed with a firearm while seated in the rear of the vehicle.
Police allege that Raby pointed the weapon at the taxi operator and ordered the female passenger to exit the vehicle.
Fearing for his safety, the driver reportedly placed the vehicle in neutral and fled before alerting a nearby police unit that he was being robbed at gunpoint.
Law enforcement officers immediately responded and launched a pursuit of the suspect, triggering a high-speed chase through several sections of the Corporate Area.
The pursuit intensified near a Texaco service station along Caledonia Road, where Raby allegedly opened fire on the pursuing police team. Officers returned fire as the chase continued through nearby communities.
Police further allege that the suspect continued driving along South Camp Road while firing additional shots at law enforcement personnel in an apparent attempt to evade capture.
The chase came to a dramatic end when the hijacked Toyota Probox crashed into a light pole and a tree.
According to investigators, Raby allegedly continued firing at officers following the crash, leading to another exchange of gunfire during which he was shot.
He was transported to Kingston Public Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
A firearm fitted with a magazine containing nine 9mm rounds was reportedly recovered at the scene.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is expected to conduct its routine investigation into the police shooting, while detectives continue probing the circumstances surrounding the alleged hijacking and subsequent confrontation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the police as investigations remain ongoing.
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