Cabbie shot dead, passenger wounded in traffic stop incident
Published:Friday | September 3, 2021 | 12:10 AM
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is probing an incident in which a taxi operator was shot dead and a female passenger injured by a policeman in the vicinity of Parade in downtown Kingston yesterday.
The incident, which reportedly occurred about 11 a.m., sent scores of people scampering for cover in the busy commercial district, The Gleaner understands.
According to INDECOM – which investigates deaths and excesses in custody or at the hands of state agents – the police reported that four cops were on motorcycle patrol when a taxi was signalled to stop for a traffic violation.
It is alleged that the driver disobeyed the order and drove off, causing injury to one police officer.
The police reportedly then fired at the vehicle, and upon examination, two persons – the taxi driver and a female passenger – were seen with injuries.
They were taken to the nearby Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), where the taxi operator, whose name was not released up to press time, succumbed to his injuries.
The injured policeman was also treated and released.
INDECOM said that in continuing its probe, it would be requesting footage from surveillance cameras in the area.
It is also calling on witnesses to contact the commission as it reminds the public that they have a duty to obey all lawful instructions of the police.
“Comply with instructions given, then complain or make a report to INDECOM if there are any allegations of wrongdoing,” the agency said in a press release.
Since the start of the year and up to August 28, 2021, there had been 72 fatal police shootings, a three-year high. In 2019 and 2020, police fatal shootings accounted for 53 and 47 deaths, respectively, over the corresponding period.