Christopher 'Dog Paw' Linton was captured by police yesterday during a massive security operation in Elletson Flats, St Andrew.

Linton, an alleged gang leader, was said to be the instigator behind a reign of terror in August Town and surrounding communities that placed him at the top of the police most wanted list.

Police officials would not give details about Linton's capture, but sources say the 24-year-old, who has been accused of several murders and shootings, was caught without incident in a house with two women near the end of the day-long cordon and search operation.

One of the crimes for which 'Dog Paw' was being sought is the predawn slaying of three family members in Bedward Gardens, St Andrew, last month.

According to the police, Linton led a group of close to 40 gunmen who sprayed a house with bullets for several terrifying minutes before setting it on fire.

The police, who offered a $250,000 reward for his capture, describe Linton as a major player in several murders, shootings, extortion and other crimes committed in the Papine area of St Andrew.

Last November, the St Andrew Central Police Division made capturing him their number one priority after he reportedly rebuffed a public appeal to turn himself in, telling lawmen they would have to "get past mi gun first".

Meanwhile, investigators from the St. Andrew Central Police Division have listed Micah Allen, who is believed to be one of Christopher "Dog Paw" Linton's cronies, as a major person of interest. Allen is known to frequent the areas of Kintyre, Papine, Dallas Castle, August Town and Elletson Flats.

THe police say Allen must report to the Half-Way Tree Police Station immediately.