Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) bid to dismantle the much-feared Montego Bay-based Stone Crusher gang experienced more success yesterday when three gang members who confronted a joint police-military team in Moneague, St. Ann, were fatally shot.

One of the men has been identified as 'Damion Vassell' of Glendevon, Norwood, a leading member of the notorious gang, who was wanted in connection with the murder of police Sergeant Allan Lindsay in Glendevon, Norwood about two weeks ago.

The slain policeman's firearm and bullet-proof vest was found in his possession.

Reports are that, about 1:30 a.m., Thursday, a joint police-military operation was carried out in the Moneague Housing Scheme.

On the approach of the crime fighters to a house, they were greeted with gunfire.

The fire was returned and after the shooting subsided, three men were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to the St. Ann's Bay hospital where they were pronounced dead.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) three guns - a 9mm Browning pistol, that was robbed from Lindsay, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and a .38 revolver - were seized.

The Gleaner has subsequently learned that a fourth pistol, which it is believed belonged to a St. James policeman who was murdered earlier this year, was also found.

11 major players killed

In addition to Vassell, at least 11 major players in the Stone Crusher gang have been killed in confrontation with the police between 2006 and yesterday.

They are: Michael 'Lassie' Forbes, killed in St. Mary; Delano 'Bigger Crime' Williams, killed in Glendevon; Rohan 'Don'Gordon, killed in Glendevon; 15-year-old Jermain Gordon, killed in Farm Heights; Conroy Stennett, killed in Glendevon; Rohan Stennett, killed in Dover, St. Mary; Kavian Chin, killed in Porto Bello; Michael Williams, Carl 'Dudus' 'Lassie' Samuels Rayon 'Troy' 'Tribal' Smith, Gerardo 'Rado'Taylor, killed in Rosemount Gardens last Sunday.

The Stone Crusher gang which has been fingered as a major criminal network in western Jamaica, with an established base in the volatile community of Norwood, St. James, has been linked to a spate of heinous murders and shootings.

mark.titus@gleanerjm.com