Gang threats against West Kingston police after alleged leader shot dead

Members of the One A Way gang have threatened officers in Denham Town after police fatally shot alleged leader Amani Malcolm, 26. Senior officers warn against reprisals and boost patrols.

One A Way gang threatens Kingston Western Division officers after fatal shooting

Members of the One A Way gang in Denham Town, West Kingston, have issued threats against police officers stationed in the division following the fatal shooting of their alleged leader, the Jamaica Observer reports.

Amani Malcolm, 26, known as "Bling Dawg", was shot on Friday night at the intersection of North Street and Pink Lane after he reportedly grabbed a police officer's service firearm, causing a struggle. An illegal firearm was recovered from Malcolm following the incident.

The shooting triggered immediate unrest. Residents staged a protest on Friday night that continued into Saturday morning, blocking roadways in the area. Reports also emerged that a man who refused to join the demonstration was assaulted and set on fire.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Michael Phipps, head of Area One, said intelligence pointed to a credible threat against officers working within the Kingston Western Division.

"We are treating this seriously," Phipps told the Jamaica Observer. "I want to use this opportunity to warn people not to carry out any threats against our police officers. We have taken steps to increase our vigilance, and of course, we are increasing our presence and operational activities within the area."

Phipps has directed Omarley Dennie, also called "Neily Blacks" and described as an alleged top-tier member of the One A Way gang, to report to the Denham Town Police Station. Dennie is listed as a person of interest in this case and several other matters under investigation by detectives at the Denham Town Criminal Investigation Branch.

The ACP also called on residents to clear the roads and cooperate with law enforcement. "We are asking the residents to stop blocking the roadways and to cooperate with the police efforts as we seek to work with them in ensuring safety for all the persons who live and traverse in the area," he said.

Source: Jamaica Observer