Running gun battle erupts in Paul’s Avenue

A shoot-out between two gunmen miraculously did not turn fatal, despite the men exchanging shots within yards of each other in Paul’s Avenue.{{more}}

SEARCHLIGHT obtained exclusive footage of what could have been a more serious encounter last week Wednesday night, at about 9:35 p.m.

In the black and white footage, one man was seen exiting a gutter used as a shortcut between Ferdinand’s Grocery and the Serious Offences Court.

His face could not be seen.

As the unidentified individual exited the trench, he stumbled once as he ran in the direction of the George McIntosh market, and tossed off what appeared to be pieces of clothing.

The first man was followed seconds later, by another unidentified male, who was seen firing multiple shots at the first man as he chased after him.

The second man was seen running back and taking cover at the side of the courthouse, before resuming his chase after the first man.

One eyewitness to the ordeal, who asked not to be identified, said that it was a miracle that none of the men was injured in the firefight.

“At one point they were less than 15 feet shooting at each other. I don’t know how come none of them was shot.”

The witness said that when the initial loud explosions were heard, a decision was made to see what the commotion was about.

According to the eyewitness, as both men emerged from the trench with guns in hand, gunman number two fired at gunman number one, and gunman number one returned fire over his shoulder as he fled the scene.

The witness said that the second shooter at one point hid behind vehicles parked in front of the court house as he was being shot at.

“Then, he ran after the first guy, still shooting, but I did not see in what direction they went,” the eyewitness said.

“I have never seen anything like this in my life,” the eyewitness added.

Police were summoned to the scene and arrived about 20 minutes after the incident started.

Police officials acknowledged that a report of a shoot-out was made, but no gunshot injuries were reported that night at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Police were not able to say what could have sparked the incident.