Police: Three women facing charges after Westmoreland gas station fight leaves one severely burned

Three women are facing criminal charges following a violent altercation at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland that left one with severe burns last week, the police say.

Statements have been recorded, and the case file is being prepared for submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a ruling, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said Monday. “Charges are anticipated,” it added in the statement.

The police say preliminary reports indicate that “a dispute between the parties escalated into a physical confrontation during which a flammable substance was used”.

One woman sustained severe burn injuries and was initially treated at a hospital in the parish before being transferred to the Cornwall Regional Hospital for specialist care, the police said.

Another woman also received injuries during the altercation.

On Friday, family members issued an emotional public appeal for financial assistance for 40-year-old Dacia Forrester, alleging that Forrester was doused with gasoline and set ablaze during the dispute.

“I am pleading to the public; I am begging help... I don't want to lose her. Her birthday is on the 26th of February,” said her sister, Carol Blackwood-Hewitt.

Stephen Josephs, co-founder of the Burn Foundation of Jamaica, said an air ambulance is on “standby” pending the securing of US$55,000 to transport Forrester to a facility in the United States for advanced treatment.

“We are racing against time,” he told The Gleaner, adding that Forrester has suffered third-degree burns over 70 per cent of her body.

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses.

The JCF also cautioned against the circulation of graphic content linked to the incident.

“The constabulary is mindful of the graphic nature of some of the footage now in circulation and is urging members of the public to refrain from sharing or reposting videos of violent incidents, particularly where victims are visibly injured,” the statement said.

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