At approximately 7:00 a.m., officers from the Criminal Investigations Department in Castries responded to a fatal police-involved shooting at Bagatelle, Castries.
Earlier, a major joint police operation was launched across various communities. This operation included executing search warrants, setting up vehicular checkpoints, and conducting both foot and mobile patrols. The primary goals were to address gun-related incidents and theft reports, arrest individuals with outstanding warrants, secure suspects in identified offences, and enhance police-community engagement.
During a vehicular checkpoint at Cacoa, Castries, officers were alerted to a suspicious vehicle that failed to stop when engaged. The vehicle had two occupants.
After a pursuit, officers located the vehicle at Bagatelle. One occupant remained inside, while the other appeared injured and was later confirmed deceased by a medical practitioner. The deceased has been identified as Jovian Willie, also known as “Heng-dem,” from Marc, Bexon.
Initial investigations revealed that the vehicle had been stolen at gunpoint earlier that day. Officers discharged their firearms during the encounter, and a firearm was recovered from the deceased suspect.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending the second suspect who fled the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station, use the Crime Hotline App, or call the Crime Hotline at 555.