Taxi Driver Shot on White Road, West Kingston; Suspect Flees on Foot

A 46-year-old cabbie was grazed by a gunshot on White Road, West Kingston, after a passenger pulled a firearm and opened fire. The suspect escaped on foot; police have launched a manhunt.

West Kingston cabbie escapes death after gunman poses as passenger

A 46-year-old taxi driver narrowly avoided serious injury on Thursday afternoon after a man who had boarded his cab as a passenger produced a firearm and opened fire on White Road in West Kingston, the Jamaica Observer reports.

At around 5:50 pm, the cabbie was transporting passengers when the man entered the vehicle and stated his destination as White Road. Upon reaching a section near Calvary Cemetery, the man requested a stop.

When the vehicle halted and the driver attempted to collect his fare, the man drew a firearm and discharged one shot, grazing the cabbie's right arm. The gunman then exited the car, circled the vehicle, and pointed the weapon at the driver a second time in an attempt to fire again.

The taxi driver fled through the front passenger door and ran into the Greenwich Park community. A fellow cabbie assisted him in reaching the Trench Town Police Station to make a report.

He was subsequently transported to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Police believe the attack may have been motivated by an argument and subsequent fight the taxi driver had with a man in Cross Road, St Andrew, several weeks prior. The suspect escaped on foot in the area following the incident.

Investigators have since launched a manhunt for the gunman.

Source: Jamaica Observer