A man was shot and injured after engaging police and emergency workers in a standoff that lasted for several hours in St James Sunday night.

The incident reportedly started about 6:00 p.m., when the man, who is believed to be mentally unstable, was seen atop the Scotiabank Fairview building.

He threatened to jump from the building several times during the effort to get him down by the police, fire service and health team.

The man allegedly used pieces of steel to wield at those who were trying to reach him.

After a few hours, the Jamaica Defence Force intervened and he was shot in the leg.

He was then taken from the building, and assisted to hospital.