Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
A resident of Rockfort in east Kingston points at bullet-riddled wall after gunmen from a nearby community reportedly went on a shooting rampage yesterday. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
RESIDENTS OF Commission Road in the Rockfort area of east Kingston woke up yesterday morning to the frightening sound of heavy artillery fire outside their windows as marauding gunmen invaded the community and sprayed several houses with bullets.
Reports are that the gunmen struck while persons were in the process of getting ready to go to work. Residents said the incident occurred less than 24 hours after rival gunmen had called for a peace treaty. Some residents now believe that the peace treaty was a ploy by the gunmen to catch and kill who they wanted.
RESIDENTS FLEE AREA
As tension mounts in the community, several persons have packed their bags and left the area. According to residents, this latest upsurge of violence started about a week ago, after a wheelchair-bound man, Anthony Campbell, also called 'Rocky', was shot.
Relatives said Mr. Campbell was shot in the hand while attempting to disarm a gunman who had confronted him at close range. Mr. Campbell, who was left paralysed 11 years ago by a stray bullet, is now being sought by the gunmen.
SECURITY MEASURES IN PLACE
Allegations are that the gunmen have accused him of reporting the shooting incident to the police. Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, acting head of the Kingston Eastern Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Steve McGreggor, said measures have been put in place to address the problem.
During the presence of The Gleaner's news team yesterday, a contingent of police from the Mobile Reserve was observed roving the hotspots.
Up to late yesterday evening, residents said pockets of heavily- armed gunmen were seen walking the streets. Between Monday night and yesterday, at least five persons were shot and injured.
