HOPE BAY, Portland — A brazen attempted robbery in the quiet hours of Monday morning ended with a fatal gunshot, eight arrests, and a renewed sense of pride among Portlanders for their local law enforcement.
Just after 2:30 a.m., armed men broke into a commercial establishment in Hope Bay, only to be confronted by a licensed firearm holder who opened fire after the intruders shot first. One of the would-be robbers was hit during the exchange. Police arrived swiftly and took control of the scene, transporting the injured man to Port Antonio Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In the hours that followed, law enforcement acted decisively. Among those apprehended were two women believed to be the wounded man’s mother and sister—caught allegedly trying to smuggle him out of the parish. The remaining suspects were also detained, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.
Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, commanding officer for the parish, emphasized that none of the suspects were locals.
“These individuals are all from urban centers—Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine,” he said. “Let this be clear: Portland is not a playground for criminals. We will deploy every available resource to safeguard our people. If your intent is criminal, stay out.”
The police station sits mere meters from the crime scene—a proximity that helped officers respond with exceptional speed. Residents, awakened by the early-morning commotion, were quick to alert authorities. Their collaboration made it nearly impossible for the unfamiliar suspects to flee effectively.
“Dem try run but dem nuh know the place,” one resident remarked, requesting anonymity. “A seaside dem run gone, but Portland nuh soft. Police and community link up and box dem in.”
The man added that the parish has seen a worrying trend in criminal activity recently, referencing flare-ups not only in Hope Bay but also in nearby Caenwood and other districts.
Despite being one of Jamaica’s most peaceful parishes, Portland has recorded eight murders and six shootings this year as of August 23—up from seven murders and two shootings during the same period last year, according to Jamaica Constabulary Force data.
Still, locals say Monday’s incident stands as a firm reminder: in Portland, outsiders with ill intentions won’t find refuge—only resistance.
