A Westmoreland taxi operator was fatally shot Wednesday, and another man believed to be his passenger wounded after a gunman, posing as passenger, was picked up along the journey, THE WEEKEND STAR understands.

The deceased man, Kenroy Grant, is of a Thornton district address in St Elizabeth.

THE WEEKEND STAR understands that a 28-year-old man, who was reportedly a passenger, was hospitalised in critical condition.

Police reports are that about 7:20 p.m., Grant was operating a taxi in Bethel Town, when, on reaching a section of the Woodstock main road, he reportedly picked up another male passenger.

Further reports are that this passenger brandished a firearm and demanded money.

Our news team gathered that when this was refused, the driver was shot in the head and lost control of the vehicle.

When the motor car came to a stop, the gunman fled the scene on foot, however, not before he shot the other distressed passenger.

Grant was pronounced dead at hospital.

The Westmoreland police say their investigation is ongoing.

-A.W.