WESTERN BUREAU

A young man said to be on the St James police's wanted list was shot dead during an alleged shoot-out with the lawmen in downtown Montego Bay, yesterday.

Up to press time last evening, police officials told The Star that they had not yet been furnished with the information. But witnesses said the man fled leaving his white sneakers and a gun behind on the sidewalk when the police bullets hit him.

Commanding officer in charge of St James, Superintendent Maurice Robinson, confirmed that an illegal firearm was taken from the man.

The man was only identified as 'Tatoy', 19, of Paradise Rowe, Montego Bay. Police say that at about 11:00 yesterday morning, Tatoy was reportedly involved in the robbery of a delivery truck driver, when he was surprised by a police party.

He fled and the police gave chase. Tatoy was shot and a gun reportedly fell from him. He was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Star understands that Tatoy was wanted in connection with at least two murders committed recently, in close proximity to where he was shot.