JOINT POLICE, MILITARY, AND MOCA OPERATION LAUNCHED IN RESPONSE TO CHERRY TREE LANE ATTACKS

In response to the tragic and violent events that occurred on Sunday night in Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, Clarendon, a comprehensive joint security operation has been launched, led by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

The operation is part of a coordinated effort to restore security and normalcy to the affected community and bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.

On Sunday, August 11th, eight innocent lives were brutally taken in separate gun attacks, including that of a seven-year-old boy. This act of violence, which has been described as bordering on terrorism, has shocked the nation and has left the community of Four Paths reeling in fear and grief.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police, Stephanie Lindsay, “the joint operation, which is already underway, has three primary objectives, namely, to eliminate the perpetrators responsible for the attacks, prevent any potential reprisals within the community and to restore a sense of safety and security for all residents of Four Paths and the surrounding areas”.

The JCF, as the lead agency, is conducting intensive investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for this atrocity, while the JDF will be providing critical operational support to maintain a strong security presence in the area. MOCA is contributing intelligence, investigative and cyber forensic support to ensure that every possible lead is pursued and that justice is served.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Stephanie Lindsay, says that the security forces wish to reassure the public that every effort is being made to protect the community and to prevent further violence. She echoed Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey who emphasized during a press briefing on Monday morning that "the perpetrators of these heinous crimes will be brought to justice, and the security forces will not rest until the community is safe once again."

Under the joint operations, a curfew has been put in place since early Monday morning. As a result, residents will notice an increased presence of law enforcement and military personnel in the area, as part of a reprisal mitigation strategy aimed at preventing a further escalation of violence and to demonstrate the commitment of the security forces to protecting the lives of citizens.

Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, has appealed for the cooperation and support of the community and urges anyone with information related to the incidents to come forward and share what they know, through any of the anonymous reporting mechanisms that have been established, including Crime Stop at 311, the JDF Tip Line at 876-837-8888 or MOCA’s anonymous Tip Line at (888) MOCA-TIP.

All tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and your assistance could be vital in bringing those responsible to justice.

Major Kayson Gunzell of the JDF, says “The joint efforts of the JCF, JDF, and MOCA represent the unified resolve of Jamaica’s security forces to protect our communities from these reprehensible savages. We ask for your continued cooperation and support as we work to bring peace and justice to Four Paths and the wider Clarendon area”.