Man hospitalized after shooting on Old Harbour playfield

The victim’s identity is being withheld to ensure his safety.

Reports reaching Old Harbour News indicate that the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when a group of men were playing football. According to witnesses, a gunman wearing a hoodie walked onto the field and opened fire on his intended target, causing chaos as players scattered for cover.

The injured man was rushed to the hospital by the police, while the shooter fled the scene on foot.

This violent act comes amidst heightened security measures in the Old Harbour area, which is currently under a 14-day state of emergency (SOE). The SOE, effective from January 15 to February 5, was imposed across several police divisions, including St. Catherine, St. Andrew South, St. Andrew Central, and Kingston Western, in response to a surge in murders during the first 11 days of the year compared to the same period last year.

Within these divisions, St. Catherine South – of which Old Harbour is a subdivision – has seen the second-highest number of murders. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Romario Rankin, who was recently appointed commander of Old Harbour, the area has recorded four murders, placing it second among subdivisions in St. Catherine South.

This morning’s brazen attack will likely fuel further debate about the necessity and effectiveness of the SOE, particularly as the shooter managed to evade capture.