Linstead Taxi Operator Roger Arnold Fatally Shot at Zepherton Main Road Stand

LINSTEAD, St. Catherine — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a Linstead taxi operator on Thursday morning, an incident that has unsettled residents and workers in the transport sector.

The dead man has been named as 48-year-old Roger Arnold, also known as “Kevin.”

Reports are that Arnold was seated in his vehicle at a taxi stand popularly called the “Ochi Bus Stop” on Zepherton Main Road shortly after 6:30 a.m. when the attack took place.

Police said a Nissan AD Wagon with several men aboard pulled up at the spot. One man allegedly got out, went over to Arnold and shot him several times before leaving the area.

Arnold was taken to Linstead Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.

Investigators suspect the gunmen may have gone there specifically for Arnold, but police have not yet established a motive. Detectives from the Linstead Criminal Investigation Branch are following several lines of inquiry as they try to find the persons behind the killing.

The shooting has raised fresh worry among taxi operators, some of whom say they are concerned about their safety while earning a living. People living in the area have also expressed fear about the continuing danger posed by gun violence in the community.

Police are asking anyone who can help with the probe to call the Linstead Police or Crime Stop at 311. The killing has further heightened concern about crime in St. Catherine and renewed appeals for stronger security around transport centres across Jamaica.