Farmer 'Tea Bag' gunned down after failed escape from police

A livestock farmer known as 'Tea Bag' was shot dead by police early this morning after a failed escape attempt during a search operation in Cheesefield, Linstead.

The deceased has been identified as 31 year old Delton Johnson, otherwise called "Tea Bag", a livestock farmer of Cheesefield, Linstead District, St Catherine.

Reports are that about 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, police personnel armed with a search warrant went to Johnson's home in search of a firearm and wanted men.

Police say Johnson approached the door and was accosted and searched. During the interaction, he reportedly broke away from the officers and ran into an unfinished building on the premises.

Investigators allege that Johnson retrieved a firearm from under a bucket and pointed it at the police. The team reportedly took evasive action and opened fire, hitting him.

Johnson fell to the ground clutching the weapon, which was later retrieved and found to be a .38 revolver with the serial numbers erased.

He was assisted to the Linstead Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has since launched a probe into the fatal shooting.

- Rasbert Turner

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