Man shot after allegedly pulling knife on cop
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man who allegedly pulled a knife on a policeman who accosted him while on duty was shot, injured, and taken into custody over the weekend.
The 32-year-old suspect was apprehended after he sought treatment for a gunshot wound at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), according to the police.
Another man was reportedly shot and injured during the incident, prompting the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to launch a probe.
Reports indicate that around 7:30 am, police were on mobile patrol in a marked service vehicle when they encountered a man at the intersection of North and Bond Streets who began acting suspiciously.
The police reportedly signalled for the man to stop, but he refused and continued walking. The reportedly police drove alongside him, repeatedly signalling for him to stop.
One of the officers disembarked from the service vehicle and commanded the man to halt, but he did not comply.
As the officer approached, the man allegedly suddenly pulled a board-handled kitchen knife from his waistband and advanced toward the policeman. The officer stepped back, lost his balance, and fell to the ground.
The man reportedly continued advancing with the knife. Fearing for his life, the officer, while still on the ground, discharged three rounds from his M16 rifle at the suspect.
Another policeman, in an attempt to prevent the man from injuring his colleague, discharged two rounds from his service pistol at the suspect, who then fled on foot.
Further investigation led the police to the KPH, where the alleged suspect, who had sustained injuries to his left shoulder, was identified, treated, and detained.