Steer Town man charged after altercation with security forces

   

Steer Town resident Devon Fallen has been charged with assault in relation to an incident in which he accused the St. Ann police and soldiers of abuse.

 

Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, Commanding Officer for the St. Ann Police Division, says Mr. Fallen was charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest.

 

He is scheduled to appear in the Petty Sessions Court on September 3.

 

The Independent Commission of Investigations is probing allegations that Mr. Fallen was beaten by members of the security forces during a pre-dawn operation in Gulf, Steer Town last week Saturday morning.

 

Mr. Fallen, a 30-year-old fisherman from the community, said he was not a wanted man and the only weapon in his possession was a fishing gun.

 

SSP Powell told Radio Jamaica News that Mr. Fallen was injured during the attempts to subdue him. 

 

"This operation was in search of a man [who] was said to be in possession of a prohibited weapon. During the targeted operation, the subject, Devon Fallen...reportedly physically assaulted the team. He was subdued. He received injuries in the process. He was subsequently arrested, charged, released on bond, and the said team assisted him to the St. Ann's Bay Public Hospital," he outlined. 

 

SSP Powell said INDECOM has been provided with a statement.