JCF MONITORING HEIGHTENED TENSIONS IN DENHAM TOWN FOLLOWING FATAL POLICE SHOOTING
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is maintaining an increased security presence in sections of the Kingston Western Division following the fatal shooting of the reputed leader of the One A Way Gang during an alleged confrontation with police in Denham Town on Friday night.
The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Amani Malcolm, otherwise called “Bling Dawg”, of Denham Town, Kingston.
The incident occurred about 10:40 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at the intersection of North Street and Pink Lane. Preliminary reports are that a police team was on mobile patrol along North Street when its members encountered Malcolm. During the encounter, an armed confrontation reportedly developed in which Malcolm allegedly produced a firearm and pointed it at a member of the police team.
The circumstances subsequently developed into a physical struggle between Malcolm and the officer. Shots were fired by members of the police team and Malcolm was injured. He was taken by the police to Kingston Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A Glock 26 pistol, containing five 9mm rounds, was recovered at the scene. A civilian was also shot and injured during the incident and was taken to hospital.
Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances in which that individual was injured. The matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). Given the stage of the investigation, the JCF will not at this time make further detailed comment on the actions of the individual officers involved.
Meanwhile, the JCF is also closely monitoring developments in Denham Town following protests and other incidents since Malcolm’s death. Security arrangements surrounding a number of police officers assigned to the Kingston Western Division have been increased following credible intelligence indicating threats against their lives.
The JCF is treating these reports seriously and has taken appropriate operational measures to protect its members while maintaining policing services in the division.
Residents began mounting roadblocks in sections of Denham Town on Saturday morning. A vehicle was also set ablaze along North Street during protest activity.
The JCF recognises and respects the right of citizens to engage in peaceful and lawful protest. No person, however, should be threatened, intimidated or subjected to violence because he or she chooses not to participate in a protest.
Detectives are investigating an incident in which a man was reportedly set on fire after he allegedly refused to participate in Saturday’s protest. The injured man was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital. Investigators are working to establish his identity and the extent of his injuries.
Omarley Dennie, otherwise called “Neily Blacks”, who police identify as a senior member of the One A Way Gang, is being named as a Person of Interest in relation to that incident.
The Kingston Western Police is asking Mr Dennie to make contact with investigators immediately. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is also being asked to contact the police.
Police have also received reports of armed men, including persons reportedly carrying high-powered rifles, being seen in sections of the community. These reports are being investigated, and additional operational resources have been deployed.
Amani Malcolm was the leader of the One A Way Gang, which operates in sections of Denham Town and has been linked by investigators to serious violence within the Kingston Western Division.
JCF records show that Malcolm had previously come to the attention of law enforcement on several occasions.
He was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in the St Mary Division on March 4, 2026. He was also previously charged in relation to robbery with aggravation in January 2025; rape in October 2022; shooting with intent in August 2019; and shop breaking and larceny in July 2019. Records also show that Malcolm was deported from Mexico in October 2024.
The inclusion of these antecedents should not be interpreted as establishing guilt in any matter that had not been determined by a court.
The JCF is appealing to residents to remain calm and to refrain from roadblocks, arson, threats, intimidation or any other unlawful activity.
