Man charged for machete attack on St Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis at his property

The police in St Mary have charged the man who attacked and chopped St Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis at his property in Boscobel in the parish last month.

Charged with housebreaking, wounding with intent, and malicious destruction of property is 34-year-old Chad Thomas of Ramble in Oracabessa in the parish who was shot during the incident.

The incident happened on Monday, January 20.

Reports from the Oracabessa police are that about 11:00 p.m., Belnavis visited his premises, which is currently under construction, and upon his arrival, he observed his television light on and decided to investigate further.

He reportedly saw Thomas, whom he had seen before but did not know by name, sitting on a couch, according to the police.

The mayor reportedly ordered him to leave the premises but Thomas attacked him with a machete, inflicting several wounds to his head and hands.

During the attack, Thomas was shot and injured.

The police were summoned.

The police say both men were taken to hospital for treatment.

Thomas was subsequently arrested and later charged after an identification parade conducted on Monday, February 3.

His court date is being finalised.

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