INDECOM investigating fatal police shooting in St Elizabeth

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it is probing the shooting death of a man by the police in Balaclava, St Elizabeth, on Tuesday.

Killed was Jowayne Salmon, otherwise called ‘Mani’, during an alleged confrontation.

The police said he was a member of the Speculation gang that operates in the parish.

His killing sparked protests in the community of Speculation, near Black River.

INDECOM, in a media release today, indicated that the police informed that on Tuesday, cops received information about armed men on motorcycles.

The agency said the police stated that the lawmen signalled the riders to stop and were met with gunfire, which was returned.

The police further reported that Salmon was subsequently shot and injured and later succumbed to his injuries while his co-cyclist reportedly rode away, INDECOM reported.

A firearm was said to have been recovered, it added.

INDECOM pointed out that civilian reports contradict the account of the law enforcement officers and indicate that the officers discharged their firearms at the riders without any lawful basis.

Salmon and his co-rider had reportedly attended court matters at the Parish Court at Balaclava.

Arising from a protest by residents of the community where the deceased man lived, INDECOM said its investigators and Family Liaison Officer visited the area on Wednesday and interviewed witnesses in furtherance of the investigation.

It added that, as a policy, in addition to its investigative work, the agency’s Family Liaison Officers identify and attend to any emotional distress arising from an incident.

Any person with information or pictures or video material concerning this incident is being asked to come forward.

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