Would-be robber disarmed, fatally shot by taxi driver in Clarendon

 

A man who attempted to rob a taxi driver and passengers in Clarendon on Wednesday night was disarmed by the cabbie and fatally shot during a struggle.

 

He has been identified as 24-year-old Bobby Bruce, of Frazer Content in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

 

About 8:15 p.m., the taxi was travelling along a roadway when upon reaching 19 Miles, Bruce attempted to rob the driver and passengers. 

 

"During the struggle, the would-be robber was shot. He was taken to the May Pen Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. At this time, we want to commend the taxi operator for his bravery and quick action," reported Superintendent Carlos Russell, Commanding Officer for the Clarendon Division.

 

A Taurus pistol and five rounds of ammunition were handed over to the police. 

 

The incident comes two days after a gunman shot and killed a taxi operator in Linstead, St. Catherine.

 

Superintendent Russell is urging taxi operators to be vigilant and communicate with the police. 

 

"Just to have a number for a police officer that they can text or call to inform them that, look, I have a suspicious passenger in my vehicle and I want the police to stop me along the route and do some searches, or things like that," he suggested. 

 

Superintendent Russell said the police are concerned about the increasing number of criminals migrating to Clarendon. 

 

"We are aware of some of these activities and we are putting things in place so that we can arrest and charge these persons," the senior cop declared.