Two cops charged for shooting of man in Seaview Gardens, each granted $1 million bail

Two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been charged in connection with the unlawful shooting of a man in Seaview Gardens, St Andrew, in 2024.

Corporal Lavon Francis and Kawain Johnson were on Thursday charged with wounding with intent and brought before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where they were each granted bail in the sum of $1 million with one to two sureties and reporting conditions.

They were ordered to return to court on October 28.

The officers were charged following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

INDECOM said the police had alleged that on January 1, 2024, a group of individuals fired in the direction of a police team, and the police returned fire.

A firearm was reportedly recovered from the scene; however, an eyewitness account indicated that the injured man was not armed.

INDECOM further stated that since January 1 this year, 10 members of the constabulary force and one member of the correctional services have been charged in relation to cases investigated by the oversight body.

Eight of them were charged in connection with fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents and assaults.

Last year, 24 JCF officers, three correctional officers, and one soldier were charged in relation to INDECOM investigations, including fatal shooting incidents.

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