Gangsters fatally shot in Rivoli

Twenty-nine years old Marco Miller and Alex Philpot, died during a police confrontation which occurred about 9:00 am.

Two illegal firearms – a .38 Smith and Wesson containing two live rounds and four spent casing and a shotgun – were recovered in the process.

Both men, the police say, are members of the Bed Bug gang, an offshoot of the notorious Clansman gang, and are known repeat offenders.

According to a preliminary report from the police, a team of officers on patrol duties came upon a three men walking along Ferdyne Close. Upon seeing the officers the men ran off while firing gunshots at the officers. During the ensuing shootout one of the gunmen was shot dead near the river bank, while the other shooter was taken out during a fiery exchange inside a house.

The third man escaped.

According to investigators, Miller, also known as ‘Ezzi’ of a Waterloo Close address, was a known recidivist to crime fighters in St Catherine North.  In mentioning several run-ins with law enforcers, it was reported in 2017 that Miller, who is the brother of the alleged bed bugs gang leader Pete ‘Smokey’ Miller, was detained during a planned police operation in Jones Avenue that led to the recovery of over 250 rounds of ammunition and one illegal weapon.

Philpot, otherwise called ‘Toby’ of Buck Town, Rivoli, is also well known to the police, investigators say.

A strong security presence has been deployed to the area in anticipation of reprisals targeting members of the police. 

Reacting to the situation, the Jamaica Constabulary Force stated: “These gangsters have been the target of several operations surrounding prohibited weapons, unauthorized ammunition and other gang related activities.

“The police are relentless in their efforts to rid our communities of illegal weapons and persons involved in criminal activities.

“When confronted by the police these gangsters will retaliate against the police, hence, the police will react accordingly.

“This area must be monitored close as these gangsters have the potential to further retaliate against the police.”