It was a bloody Tuesday across Jamaica. Seven men were killed in separate police operations spanning three parishes, one policeman was shot, and at least five guns were seized. The day now ranks among the deadliest involving security forces so far in 2026.

The worst of it happened just after 1:40 p.m. in the Bog Walk Gorge area of St Catherine. Police said officers came under attack and returned fire. Four civilians were hit and later died at hospital. One officer from the Linstead Police Station was also shot and injured. His condition was still unknown by press time last night.

Police then chased other men believed to have fled. The operation extended to near G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Spanish Town around 5:30 p.m. Another alleged gun battle broke out, and a fifth man was killed. Three firearms were recovered from the two linked scenes.

The Bog Walk Gorge corridor was shut down for hours. Gunfire sent motorists scrambling to turn back on the normally busy road. Police told commuters to find alternate routes while investigators processed the scenes. The road stayed closed until at least 6:30 p.m., affecting hundreds of travellers moving between St Catherine and St Ann.

One motorist who saw part of the incident described it as frightening.

“All along you hear about police and gunmen in shootouts, but this is the first time I have ever experienced something like this. I’m just thankful that we made it through alive,” the motorist said.

Earlier that morning, around 5:20 a.m., a man was killed in Crofts Hill, Good Hope, Clarendon. Police identified him as Orlando Nembhard. They said he was shot during an armed confrontation, taken to Chapleton Hospital, and pronounced dead. A .38 revolver loaded with five cartridges was reportedly recovered at the scene.

In Papine, St Andrew, another man died around 4 p.m. Police said officers on patrol stopped a vehicle. A passenger got out and allegedly opened fire. Two officers shot back, hitting the man. He later died at hospital. A Luger 9mm pistol and nine rounds of ammunition were recovered. His identity hadn't been released by press time.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has been notified of all seven fatal shootings and has opened separate probes into each incident.

As of June 9, INDECOM was already investigating 143 fatal shootings involving security forces since the start of the year. Tuesday's deaths will push that number higher once formally recorded.

Those seven fatalities add to four other fatal police shootings already reported this month. It was a day that showed just how quickly violence can escalate across multiple parishes at once.

  • 7 men killed in police operations on Tuesday, June 9, 2026
  • 1 police officer injured (Linstead Police Station)
  • At least 5 firearms seized: 3 in St Catherine, 1 revolver in Clarendon, 1 pistol in St Andrew
  • INDECOM investigating 143 fatal shootings by security forces as of June 9
  • Bog Walk Gorge closed for hours, affecting hundreds of motorists