Gareth Davis Sr., Gleaner Writer

Detectives from the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) in Port Antonio, Portland, Saturday night arrested a male suspect in connection with the shooting of a man, who is now battling for life at hospital - after being shot in the abdomen.

Admitted in critical condition at the Port Antonio Hospital is 35-year-old Kirk Willis, a mason and resident of John's Town Road, Port Antonio. He was shot once in the abdomen by his attacker at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, while at his home. The suspect then reportedly fled the scene.

Constabulary Communication Network liaison officer for Portland, Corporal Dwane Campbell, says the suspect was apprehended Saturday night following hours of intense search conducted by the police with assistance from local residents, who provided support.

Incident

"The man entered Mr. Willis' house and shot him in the abdomen during a struggle," said Corporal Campbell. "Two shots were fired during the struggle, and the shot exited through his back. The suspect is in custody and is scheduled to undergo an identification parade," he added.

So far no motive has been established for the shooting, and the police have not recovered any weapon. However, CIB detectives are combing the John's Town area in search of a weapon, or weapons, which may have been used in the shooting.

In another incident, also on Saturday, the body of 42-year old, David Cargill, fisherman of Bull Bay, St. Thomas, was found at Pantons Hope in Portland, with two bullet wounds. Two persons are in police custody in connection with that murder.

Cargill's murder brings to 13 the number of persons who have died violently since 2007 in the parish. In 2006, the parish recorded four murders. The police are appealing to residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and to instead resolve disputes peacefully.

'The man entered Mr. Willis' house and shot him in the abdomen during a struggle,' said Corporal Campbell.