Police have confirmed the arrest of a 37-year old man considered to be one of the main “shooters” in the drug-infested 4-Roads section in the Town of St George.
THE NEW TODAY understands that the lawmen acting on a tip-off swooped down on a shop operated by Michael “Brooklyn” Mc Quilkin where one Smith and Wesson .40 pistol with one loaded magazine containing six rounds of .40 ammunition were found on his person.
According to a police insider, a quantity of Cush was found in Brooklyn’s pocket.
The 4-Roads man whose address is known to be Williamson Road has been charged for possession of ammunition.
The arrest of “Brooklyn” comes a few weeks after he was granted bail while on remand at the Richmond Hill prison for a number of gun-related criminal offences.
His release from custody was greeted by the firing of several bullets in the air by elements on 4-Roads to celebrate his freedom from the prison.
One notable underworld figure said he is not surprised at the arrest of “Brooklyn” with a gun.
He pointed out that the life of a gangster is vastly different from an ordinary civilian as he would need a gun to protect himself at all times.
He said that a gangster would always prefer to be caught by the police with a gun than to be confronted by a rival gangster when he is unarmed and cannot adequately protect himself.
In 2024, “Brooklyn” was remanded to the Richmond Hill prison on a series of indictable charges linked to firearms, including possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault with a deadly weapon, and grievous harm.
Considered a repeat offender, the charges against the 4-Road strongman related to shooting incidents in the Mt. Toute and Grand Anse areas.
Prior to Thursday’s arrest, “Brooklyn was facing 14 matters before the court, including a high-profile attempted murder charge linked to a shooting near the Saigon/Sugar Mill area in Grand Anse just over a year ago.
Police also linked him to last year’s shooting of 24-year old Shane Joseph of Frequente who was rushed to the St George’s General Hospital with a wound on his right foot.
In a statement given to police investigators, Joseph identified “Brooklyn” as the one who shot him with a gun.
The injured man told police that he was already inside his home for the night when he was alerted to some persons engaged in an argument outside the house.
He told lawmen that he went outside and saw “Brooklyn”, along with another individual, engaged in a confrontation with his brother Anton DeCoteau.
He said that as he came closer, Brooklyn allegedly whipped out a gun and fired two shots at him and he soon realised that he was struck as blood started to flow from his foot.
Underworld sources have identified “Brooklyn” as one who came back from the United States after being linked to gang violence in the New York area.
The Dickon Mitchell-led Congress government has passed legislation in Parliament providing for stiffer penalties for persons caught with illegal firearms.
However, the public have been expressing grave concern over the failure of sitting Magistrates to enforce the new penalties.
Speculation is rife that the Magistrates are following sentencing guidelines from the OECS Chief Justice.
RGPF issued the following bulletin Thursday:-
Michael Mc Quilkin, 37 years old, unemployed of Williamson Road, St. George’s was charged with the offences of Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.
These charges were brought against Mr. Mc Quilkin after one Smith and Wesson Pistol along with a magazine containing six (6) rounds of ammunition were found on him, during an operation conducted by police on Wednesday 29th January, 2025 at Grenville Street (Four Roads) St. George’s.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday 31st January, 2025.
In another operation conducted by Police on Wednesday 29th January, 2025, a search warrant was executed at the home of Kevon Felix, 34 years old, security officer of Pearls, St. Andrew which led to the discovery of one (1) .380 Makarov Pistol along with two .40 rounds of ammunition.
As a result, he was charged with the offences of Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.
Mr. Felix was brought before the Grenville Magistrate’s Court, today, Thursday 30th January 2025, where he pleaded guilty to both offences.
As a result, the following sentences were handed down:
*Possession of Firearm – fined $6,500 to be paid in 2 months, in default 2 years imprisonment.
*Possession of Ammunition – fined $3,500 to be paid forthwith, in default 1 year imprisonment.
Additionally, a suspended sentence of 2 years in prison was imposed by the Magistrate on the accused and he was told that he must refrain from committing any offenses within the next two years.
In default, Felix would receive a two year prison sentence.
Meanwhile, Terrence Thomas, 76-year-old, retiree of Tuileries, St. Andrew was sentenced at the Grenville Magistrate Court on January 29 following his guilty plea to the charges of Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The charges stemmed from a police operation conducted on January 24, 2025.
The following sentences were handed down:
*Possession of Firearm – fined $9,000 to be paid in 3 months, in default 3 years imprisonment.
*Possession of Ammunition – fined $6,000 to be paid forthwith, in default 2 years imprisonment.
Additionally, a suspended sentence of 2 years in prison was imposed.
Thomas must refrain from committing any offenses within two years. In default, two years imprisonment.
