Cops seize another illegal gun amid ongoing Maxfield Avenue gang war
Published:Saturday | March 29, 2025 | 12:09 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The police seized an AK-47 rifle along with a magazine containing three rounds yesterday along Ramsay Road in St Andrew, further weakening the arsenal of the notorious Stinga Gang.
This gang, along with other rival factions, remains embroiled in a violent turf war in the Maxfield Avenue area.
The seizure marks the second firearm recovered in the community since Tuesday’s dramatic daytime shootout between rival gangs and the police. During that confrontation, a gunman reportedly abandoned a 9mm pistol while fleeing the scene as law enforcement engaged in the firefight along Ramsay Road and Duff Street.
While no arrests have been made in connection with the recovered weapons, the police have listed three men as persons of interest. They have been identified by their aliases: ‘Skeng’, ‘Bitta’ and ‘Maleik’ – all believed to be affiliated with the William Lane Criminal Gang. Authorities gave them until Thursday at 6 p.m. to turn themselves in.
Residents have voiced concerns over escalating violence and are urging the police to maintain a strong presence in the area.
“People dead ina the war and weh day if the police never step in a woulda mass killing. A daylight di youth dem step, so dem nuh care. It all come in like a whole heap a new ting dem did a fire pon each other,” one resident told The Gleaner.
Another resident said, “The police dem run in Wednesday and dem a patrol hard day and night and we love that. Shop can open and people can walk go bout dem business. If nuh police or soldier nuh ina di place, a ghost town. Everybody a talk bout the brawling shootout, is not everybody like it cause mi don’t like it. A because mi caa do no better why I am here.”
According to sources, ongoing violence in the area is being fuelled by orders from high-ranking gang members who are currently incarcerated or operating from overseas. These external influences continue to escalate tensions on the streets.
Tuesday’s gun battle sent loud, roaring gunfire echoing across Kingston, prompting a large-scale security response. Joint forces from the Kingston Western and St Andrew South police divisions, alongside military personnel, were deployed to restore order in the area.
The police have reiterated their commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to Maxfield Avenue and surrounding communities.