Suspected serial robber shot dead by police in St Andrew operation

Three men were killed in a police confrontation in the Red Hills area of St Andrew early Sunday. Among the dead is Dewar Archibald, linked to ATM heists and two murders.

Three killed in Red Hills shootout, including alleged gang member tied to island-wide crime spree

Three men were fatally shot during a police operation in St Andrew in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Jamaica Observer reports. Among the dead is Dewar Archibald, also known as "Max", whom investigators had classified as a high-risk criminal target and alleged member of the Speculation Gang.

A team from Specialised Operations was on patrol in the Red Hills area at approximately 1:45 am when officers received information that a group of armed men, travelling in a red Honda HR-V and a white Toyota Probox, were allegedly preparing to carry out criminal activities in the St Andrew North Police Division.

Officers moved to intercept both vehicles. The driver of the Probox evaded police, but the Honda HR-V was stopped near Knightsdale Drive. According to the preliminary police account, occupants of that vehicle opened fire on officers, who then discharged their service weapons. Three men were subsequently found with gunshot wounds. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been released.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has been notified, as is standard procedure following fatal police shootings.

Archibald had been identified by investigators as a key organiser of robberies and break-ins targeting ATMs, remittance agencies and other cash-intensive businesses across multiple parishes. He was also implicated in two murders committed within the past nine months.

Police linked him to the killing of Chevardo Messam at Galleon Beach in Crawford district, St Elizabeth, on December 21, 2025. He was further implicated in the January 9 murder of Kemar Brown, known as "Mars", in Bristol, Alexandria, St Ann — an incident in which a woman was also shot and injured.

Archibald was additionally connected to a shooting during an attempted ATM theft in Drax Hall, St Ann, in April, as well as a series of robberies and break-ins in Linstead, St Catherine, in February and June; Kingston in April; and Crofts Hill, Clarendon, in May.

Investigators believe Archibald operated as part of an organised criminal network spanning several parishes.

Source: Jamaica Observer