Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that the police had to retreat as gunmen relentlessly fired shots at them in an effort to prevent them from entering the area.

The missing man has been identified as Odain Williams.

One member of the community told THE WEEKEND STAR, "People who live in the community are calling for help to remove him from a house but the police are no help because the men from that community are very vicious. He is still alive because someone heard him cry out for help."

When contacted, a family member explained that the young man left his home on the day in question to buy gas oil for someone. It is believed that after delivering the oil he was abducted.

THE WEEKEND STAR further understands that on Wednesday, the family received a lead that their relative was being held at an abandoned shop in another community, Brandon Hill, St Andrew. However, when the police made checks he was nowhere to be found.

scapegoat

"The police kick off the lock and go inside a the shop but them no see nobody there, but dem seh that someone was definitely there," the concerned relative shared with THE WEEKEND STAR.

The relative also explained that he believes that the man was captured as a scapegoat for his friend, who is the actual target they are seeking.

"Him and his friend were walking one day and him friend have an argument with a girl and box the girl. So I don't know if it is that girl who send man fi the friend but dem couldn't find him, so dem kidnap him instead," the relative further reasoned.

At the same time, residents from the Stony Hill community are dissatisfied with the handling of the situation by the police.

"Dem a send the police dem all over the place, a dat dem a do ... I now conclude that the Stony Hill police are not effective. Honestly, I will now give my full support to gangsters who are willing to serve and protect us. I am certain that my family and community members share the same sentiment," a disgruntled source said.

When checks were made at the Stony Hill Police Station, an officer on duty said that he could neither confirm nor deny the allegations.

We later enquired about the matter at the Constant Spring Police Station but were told to contact the Constabulary Communications Network for a comment.