Two teens nursing gunshot wounds arising from separate incidents of gun salutes

The police are reporting that two teenaged girls are nursing gunshot wounds arising from separate incidents of gun salutes.

In a post on its Instagram page this morning, the constabulary force said the incidents occurred, despite repeated warnings against the dangerous and unlawful practice.

It said in one incident, at about 12:02 this morning a 13-year-old Canadian national who was visiting relatives was standing on a balcony at a residence along Dreamland Drive in Portmore, St. Catherine, observing new year’s fireworks celebrations when she was struck by bullets.

Police say moments after midnight, loud explosions were heard, after which the teen felt sharp pains to her thigh and back.

She was assisted to hospital, where she has been admitted in stable condition.

In a similar incident, a 14-year-old girl from Bond Street in Kingston was also wounded at approximately 12:02 this morning while sitting under a tree in her community.

The teen reported feeling a burning sensation to her shoulder, after which it was discovered that she had been shot. She was also taken to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

The JCF has strongly condemned this reckless and irresponsible behaviour, once again emphasizing that gun salutes are illegal, extremely dangerous, and pose a serious threat to innocent lives.

It said these incidents underscore the real and devastating consequences of discharging firearms indiscriminately.

Investigations into both shootings are ongoing.

Detectives assigned to the St. Catherine south and Kingston western divisions are working to determine the origin of the gunfire and identify those responsible.

The JCF is urging anyone with information that may assist these investigations to come forward.