Editorial

INDECOM arrests and charges two JCF members Unlawful Wounding, Unlawful Discharge of Firearm and Misconduct in a Public Office

Terrence Williams, INDECOM CommissionerMay 18, 2016 – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), this morning, arrested and charged two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) attached to the Area One Headquarters in Montego Bay, St. James for the shooting injury of a woman in Mount Salem, St. James on January 22, 2016.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anthony Castelle and District Constable Rohan McIntosh were both charged with unlawful wounding, unlawful discharge of firearm, and misconduct in a public office.

Court Result

The two police officers appeared before Judge of the St. James Parish Court Sandria Wong-Small today (May 18, 2016). SSP Castelle was represented by attorney-at-law Althea Grant and Dist. Cons. McIntosh was represented by Stacy Ann Williams. The attorneys made bail applications on their behalf and they were both granted bail in the sum of $1 million each with 1-3 sureties. They were ordered to surrender their travel documents and stop orders placed on them at all ports. The reporting conditions dictate that SSP Castelle is to report to the Prospect Police Station in St. Mary once each week; and Dist. Cons. McIntosh is to report to the Mount Salem Police Station once each week.

The matter is set for mention on June 7, 2016.

Background

It was reported to the Commission by the police that a group comprised of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) stopped a car in the vicinity of Westgate Shopping Centre but the driver failed to stop. The police thereafter pursued the car along several roadways in the Montego Bay. Two officers in an unmarked police vehicle pursued the car.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the Calvary Baptist Church and Jarrett Park the police allegedly discharged their weapons. The motor car did not stop but proceeded towards Mt. Salem. While proceeding towards Mt. Salem the police officers again discharged their weapons. The car eventually turned into the parking lot of the West Jamaica Conference Centre. The car came to a stop and driver exited the car and ran.

It was then discovered that a female passenger seated in the rear seat of the car had been shot. One of the police officers transported the said passenger to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where she has been admitted.

Commentary

INDECOM has been appealing to police officers to cease the practice of discharging their weapons when their lives are not in danger. Why shoot at a fleeing car. This practice is dangerous, irresponsible and downright stupid.

There needs to be greater respect for life and public safety.

Too many innocent bystanders have been maimed or killed in this manner.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.

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