A man was shot dead and a police officer escaped serious injury after a bullet struck his protective vest during an alleged confrontation in the Farm community of Effortville, Clarendon, on Friday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force says.

The officer, who was working with the Area Three Anti-Fugitive Apprehension Team, was struck in the chest area but was taken to hospital, treated, and remains in stable condition.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old O’Neil Hamilton, otherwise called ‘Jay’ or ‘Puttae,’ a labourer of Oliver Garden in May Pen.