Issues warning after robbery attempt

Andre Williams, STAR Writer

A renowned artiste who recently had a face-to-face encounter with a gunman who attempted to rob his family at the Cane River Falls, Bull Bay, St Andrew, is now warning the public to be careful when visiting the area.

This comes as information reaching THE STAR indicates that robberies are a regular practice at the location and surrounding areas.

The musician, who requested anonymity, told THE STAR of last Sunday's encounter which took place at 5:30 p.m.

"I was at the falls with my family and friends when we were approached by a gunman who decided he was going to rob us ... So when him step to us and made his intentions clear, mi say to di man, a weh yuh a do and began to identify myself."

THE STAR was told the gunman replied, "Jah know! a you big man ... is a ting mi a look enuh."

Our news team was told that soon after, the robber started communicating in a way that was no longer deemed as life threatening.

THE STAR was told that the gunman, after negotiating with the entertainer, allowed him to go to his vehicle and return with $2,000 that was agreed to be collected.

Though he didn't suffer any major loss of property or any injuries to any of his family members, the reggae singer says his intentions now are to advise the greater public who might not have been so fortunate.

better judgement

"Things could have taken a different turn but after better judgement, and analysing that the situation was no longer life threatening we simply left the location," he said

The entertainer said a report was made to a police party that was spotted after the group left the community.

"The policemen took the gunman's description and advised us they would investigate," revealed the musician.

Our news team spoke to Desmond Richards, who acknowledged he is the person in charge of the Cane River Falls property.

He said, "I am aware of the incident and that something took place and the police are investigating ... There is a spate of incidents in the general area ... the police have done very little or nothing to deal with the upsurge of criminal activities or other instances in the Cane River community and general areas."

Richards continued, "We are very disturbed about the situation and as a fan of the artiste I want to use the opportunity to publicly place our regret at the situation."

The Bull Bay police told THE STAR that no report had been made about the attempted robbery, however, officers attached to the station were aware of the incident.

A police source further indicated that there have been several reports relating to instances of robberies being carried out at the Cane River Falls and some surrounding areas.

The police are advising individuals to exercise vigilance when venturing to the area.