Shooting leaves community rattled

An afternoon shooting of a popular barber and former footballer in Brandons, St Michael, has left the community in shock.

Adrian Best, better known as “A.D.”, was rushed to seek medical attention after being shot in the shoulder following an altercation.

Sources said the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when a man went into the barbershop, exchanged words with Best and subsequently shot him. Best, 57, a former national junior footballer, was taken to hospital via private vehicle where the father of three was said to be in stable condition. Sister Cheryl Best said the situation was a strange one as her brother was so well-known and loved.

“He is just a peaceful man with his own business. This is very concerning,” she said. Best’s barber shop is attached to his home. Cheryl said she was at home when the incident occurred and remembered hearing the bang, adding it was a shock. She said she lost another brother in April so it was particularly tough.

Neighbours said they were disturbed by the shooting as the area was one where their children often visited.

“We was here sitting down when we heard the noise and see a man running away. We didn’t think nothing about it but when we see all the people coming out, we went to see what happened,” a woman told the DAILY NATION.

She said the sight of Best covered with blood was a startling one which affected her.

“It was hurtful to see that,” she said, while

a man added: “A.D. is a popular fella, I still can’t believe it.”

The neighbours said what had them particularly upset was that Best often cuts children’s hair. The woman said her son would have been in the area if he was not sick.

Henderson Pierre said the people of Brandons were often victims due to jealousy.

“Normally down here is peaceful, but every few years somebody gets robbed. This is the third time I remember this happening – two other shops get rob over the years within the past ten years or so.

“You see, the people in Brandons got a little more money than the people in the surrounding districts so we get targeted all the time,” he added. (CA)

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