INDECOM probes police shooting of unidentified ‘young’ male

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has indicated that it is investigating the circumstances around a police fatal shooting incident, resulting in the death of an unidentified male “who appears young by observation”.

The incident occurred in the early morning yesterday on Brown’s Lane in Central Village, St Catherine.

According to the police, a team of lawmen went in pursuit of a male who was seen running and carrying a large object on Brown’s Lane in Central Village.

During the pursuit, the male was alleged to have brandished a firearm and fired at the police.

The lawmen reported that they fired in response to the male’s actions. After the gunfire subsided, he was found suffering from gunshot wounds, and two firearms were seen in his vicinity.

The two recovered firearms were a Springfield 9mm pistol and an M16 rifle, which was wrapped in transparent plastic.

In a statement yesterday, INDECOM said it was seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the deceased male, who was wearing a black -shirt labelled ‘Hollister’, blue ‘cut- off-foot jeans’ with a black belt and blue underpants. He was of slim build and dark complexion.

The incident scene was examined, processed and evidential material recovered was packaged.

The hands of the deceased were swabbed for DNA testing, and his body was photographed and sealed, pending post-mortem examinations.

Initial accounts of the incident were provided by the police personnel involved. They reported that no body-worn cameras were issued or worn during the incident.

INDECOM, in its statement, reminded the public of the importance of independent witness information in the investigative process, and where photos, videos, or information is available in incidents involving members of the security forces, it should be made available and shared with the commission.

Year to date, 110 persons have been shot and killed by the security forces of which 20 were fatally shot in August.

Any person with information to assist with the investigation is asked to contact INDECOM’s landline at 876-968-8875,

INDECOM’s WhatsApp number at (876)553-0000 or the Portmore Police Station.