A POLICE constable who attempted to apprehend a gunman in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew, yesterday, was set upon by members of an angry mob who not only beat him, but also reclaimed a gun he confiscated and turned the suspect loose.
Reports are that before noon yesterday, a police patrol spotted a group of men on McKenley Crescent and began frisking them.
During the process, one of the men ran and attempted to elude the lawmen.
SUSPECT FLEES
One of the policemen gave chase during which a handgun is reported to have fallen from the suspect's waistband.
The officer reportedly caught up with the suspect near a housing settlement known as 'Compound', located on Rhoden Crescent. Allegations are that the suspect grabbed the officer and both got involved in a fight. Scores of residents intervened, some attacked the officer with stones, while others hit him with pieces of stick.
They released the suspect from the policeman's grip and took possession of the gun, The Gleaner was told.
The lawman and his partner had to beat a hasty retreat.
