Fugitive arrested after dramatic jump from South Avenue apartment balcony
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:25 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The St Andrew South police, whose division has the highest number of murders in the country so far this year, are celebrating a significant win after the dramatic capture of a fugitive who attempted to evade arrest by leaping from a balcony at a Corporate Area apartment complex.
The event, captured from an aerial view by an unknown person, has since gone viral on social media.
Dino ‘Berty’ Sutherland, a 28-year-old wanted man from 19 Seaward Drive, Kingston 20, was arrested on Tuesday at around 3 p.m. during a targeted operation at 20 South on South Avenue in St Andrew.
Sutherland was detained along with seven other individuals, including a woman who was reportedly with him at the time.
Authorities are investigating the roles these individuals played in harbouring Sutherland and any potential connections to local gang activity.
According to reports, Sutherland jumped from the balcony and scaled a wall upon realising that the police were at his location. A pursuit ensued and he was eventually apprehended at a business complex on South Avenue.
During the dramatic capture, a police officer can be heard on the viral video shouting, “Hey boy, come down now, now, now … . Don’t make me have to shoot yuh … . Turn round … . ”
Sutherland then complied without further incident.
Law enforcement officials say Sutherland was a key figure and active shooter for the ‘440 Drive Gang’, which is in conflict with the ‘Samacan Gang’ in the St Andrew South police division. His capture represents a significant step in efforts to dismantle criminal networks plaguing the area, with his activities also affecting the St Thomas police division.
Sutherland is wanted in connection with several serious crimes, including the murder of Ricardo ‘Cardo’ Anderson, committed on January 7, 2025, at 21 Seaward Drive, Kingston 20; and wounding with intent against Crishna ‘Barba’ Mycoo, on January 9, 2025.
The police also reportedly seized 10 9mm rounds of illegal ammunition and Sutherland’s identification documents at a house on Fenbrook Avenue, Kingston 20.
‘SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY’
Superintendent Damion Manderson, head of the St Andrew South police division, described Sutherland as a “significant threat to public safety”, causing havoc through a series of murders and shootings tied to gang activities, particularly throughout January 2025.
Sutherland’s arrest is seen as a major blow to the 440 Drive Gang, which is reportedly led by Mark ‘Mark 2’ Harrison, and is viewed as a critical victory in the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region by eliminating criminal elements.
The police are asking anyone with information about Sutherland’s alleged criminal activities, particularly in the areas of Balcombe Drive, 440 Drive, and Samacan in St Andrew; as well as in St Thomas, to come forward.
For this year, the St Andrew South police division has recorded 13 murders as of February 1, compared to just three during the same period last year. A State of Public Emergency (SOE) is currently in place in the division, one of four declared in Corporate Area police divisions last month.