Gun owner charged over Old Harbour bar shooting freed due to absent witnesses

A licensed firearm holder charged for shooting a man during a fight at a bar in Old Harbour, St Catherine has been freed due to the failure of witnesses to go to court.

Businessman Mark Chen was charged with wounding with intent and using a weapon to commit a felony.

Chen, a 40-year-old technician of New Harbour Village, Old Harbour, St Catherine walked free from the Gun Court on March 15 following a successful no order.

When the matter was called up, the court was informed that despite several publications and different trial dates, witnesses, included the complainant, have failed to appeared.

Allegations were that on February 17,2023, Chen was a patron at a bar in Old Harbour, St Catherine when there was a dispute, which resulted in a physical confrontation between him and the complainant.

Chen allegedly brandished his licensed Sig Sauer pistol and shot the complainant in the face.

The injured man was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Chen later surrendered to the Old Harbour police.

He was arrested and subsequently charged.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Orville Morgan.

- Rasbert Turner

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.