Man shot dead while being searched by police in Spanish Town

A St Catherine man who allegedly tried to pull a gun while being searched by police was fatally shot during an operation in Spanish Town on Sunday afternoon.

He has been identified as 33-year-old labourer O'Shane Cunningham of Jones Avenue, Spanish Town.

Reports are that about 5:10 p.m. on January 19, members of the Area Five Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT) were conducting a surveillance operation along Industrial Road in the Twickenham Park Estate after receiving information that Cunningham was armed with an illegal firearm.

Police say Cunningham was accosted and an attempt was made to search him when a physical struggle developed between him and the lawmen, causing both parties to fall along the roadway.

During the tussle, Cunningham allegedly attempted to remove a firearm from his waistband and was shot by the police.

A Taurus GR 9-millimetre pistol was reportedly recovered from him.

Cunningham was assisted to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe into the incident.

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