JDF soldier implicated in armed road rage incident

 

A member of the Jamaica Defence Force is being sought in relation to an incident in which he reportedly physically assaulted a man following a traffic crash in St. Andrew. 

 

The incident happened on Monday between 1 and 2 p.m. at the intersection of Central Avenue and Constant Spring Road. 

 

Footage of the confrontation has been making the rounds on social media. 

 

It is reported that a white Toyota Probox was travelling along Constant Spring Road when it met in a traffic crash with a grey GWM motor car. 

 

The driver of the Probox reported that after the crash the soldier exited the vehicle with a firearm in his hand, pointing it at his vehicle. 

 

The Probox driver and his passenger told the police that at that point they became fearful and drove off with the intention to visit the nearest police station. 

 

They were reportedly followed by the soldier. 

 

Upon reaching a stoplight, the soldier reportedly approached the driver of the Probox while pointing a firearm at him. 

 

A police officer rode up on the scene, but the defence force member reportedly continued his assault. 

 

The matter was reported to the police on Tuesday. 

 

Acting senior superintendent Mark Harris, commanding officer for the St. Andrew Central Police Division, said several offences were committed by the soldier, including assault at common law, unlawful wounding, assault ocassioning bodily harm. 

 

"Also, we are looking at prohibited weapon charges. I can inform you that with the help of technology, we saw where the firearm was used at more than one location where it was pointed at the complainant. And we also have statements to confirm that what the technology showed us," said the senior cop. 

 

The Firearm Licensing Authority has confirmed that the man seen in a video assaulting a motorist is a licensed firearm holder. 

 

The FLA said the man's firearm is now in its possession and a formal investigation has been launched. 

 

Cait-Amoi Goulbourne, corporate communication officer at the FLA, said the authority has taken note of an increase in incidents involving licensed firearm holders brandishing firearms to intimidate individuals. She warned against such practices. 

 

"Using a firearm, a licensed firearm to intimidate, threaten or instill fear is a violation of the terms and conditions of a holder's licence and will not be tolerated. Where such complaints are brought to the authority's attention, through any medium, and an investigation finds them to be credible, the board will immediately revoke the licence," she cautioned.