Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY night's riot in Brown's Town, St. Ann, business people in the town have become fearful that there could be further disturbances, if the Jamaica Constabulary Force fails to act quickly with their investigations into two recent police shootings in the area.
President of the Brown's Town Business Caucus, Michael Belnavis, said Wednesday's riot which was sparked by the shooting of a man by the police is only an indication of the growing tension in the area since the fatal shooting of another resident, 28-year-old Junior Johnson on January 12.
SPEEDY INVESTIGATION
Mr. Belnavis said business people feared that the anger of the residents towards the police could erupt into more street protest if residents feel they are not getting justice. He is calling on the Police High Command to ensure that the two shootings are speedily investigated.
Members of the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) were in Brown's Town all day yesterday and left the area late in the evening after collecting several statements.
Leo Barnett, 22, of Brown's Town, who was shot and injured by the police on Wednesday while the cops were trying to arrest him, remains critical, but stable in hospital. Reports are that doctors are having difficulty in removing the bullet which is lodged somewhere in the region of his abdomen.
UNDER ATTACK
Barnett's shooting caused a massive street protest during which both the police and fire personnel came under attack and a garbage truck was set on fire.
Meanwhile, the police in Brown's Town say they have begun to prepare warrants for the arrest of a number of persons who took part in Wednesday night's protest.
An officer at the station told The Gleaner yesterday evening that the police know the persons who set the garbage truck on fire, as well as some of those who were throwing stones and will be making arrests as soon as the warrants are ready.
