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Clive ‘Greedy’ Lawson, the alleged interim leader of the infamous Katon Defense Force (KDF)/Top Junglist gang from Mount Salem, St. James, one of three men killed in a shootout with members of a police team in Hanover .
The police in western Jamaica are is now on high alert following the fatal shooting of Clive “Greedy” Lawson, the alleged interim leader of the infamous Katon Defense Force (KDF)/Top Junglist gang from Mount Salem, St. James.
Lawson was one of three men fatally shot during a police operation on Hanover’s Mosquito Cove main road on Wednesday evening.
Police sources told the police this on Thursday Jamaican observer that Lawson led the gang that was heavily involved in violent activities, including murder and shootings, in furtherance of gang conflict.
According to the sources, Lawson’s criminal activities were mainly motivated by an ongoing feud with the Temple Gang, based in Campbell’s Lane, Mount Salem.
There are fears his death could lead to a conflict over the leadership of the gang and more clashes with their rivals.
“Lawson’s death is likely to have an impact on the power dynamics within the KDF/Top Junglist gang as he was central to its recent activities,” the spokesperson said. Observer source.
“The violent feud between the KDF/Top Junglist and the Temple gang has resulted in several casualties, and his role in this feud was significant. His death could lead to temporary instability within the gang, potentially creating opportunities for rival factions to exploit the power vacuum or escalating violence as other members seek retribution.
“The rivalry between these two gangs has led to several violent clashes since the beginning of the year, resulting in three confirmed incidents. Lawson’s involvement was critical in driving this violence,” the source said.
At the time of his death, Lawson, 24, was wanted by police in connection with the murder of Donovan Hayles on October 24 in Campbell’s Lane.
It is alleged that at around 9.30am Lawson led a heavily armed group of men who invaded Campbell’s Lane, the base of their rival Temple gang, and opened fire, hitting Hayles who died at the scene.
He was on bail in connection with a shooting on January 31, 2022 in Clarke Street, Mount Salem, which left a man with gunshot wounds. Lawson also reportedly faced a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with a June 2023 incident.
Police say Lawson’s life of crime came to an end at around 5.35pm on Wednesday evening when members of the police’s Area One Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT), acting on intelligence, carried out a special operation and alerted the driver of a dark-coloured car. Toyota Voxy must stop.
According to police, four men armed with guns exited the vehicle and started shooting at them.
Police returned fire, which led to a shootout. Three of the attackers were shot and wounded, while the fourth managed to escape. The injured men were taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Two firearms were also seized.
“The fatal encounter with law enforcement suggests that Lawson actively resisted arrest, which led to his death,” police said Observer source.
As of Thursday before the news broke, the other dead men had not been identified as a search continued for the other man, who sources said was shot during the incident and escaped with two firearms in hand.
Police Area One includes Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny.
On Thursday, Area One’s management team sought to reassure the public that operations against wanted persons and perpetrators of violence will continue.
“The Area One Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and has warned the criminals that no effort will be spared to bring them to justice,” the press release said.
Mount Salem, declared a special operations zone (ZOSO) since September 2017, saw an initial drop in crime but has been the scene of two murders in recent days as criminals targeted their rivals.