July 25, 2023 –The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) responded to and commenced investigations into a police shooting incident resulting in the death of 29 year old, Stephon Powell. The incident occurred on July 24, 2023 along Coleyville Avenue, Kingston 20. The concerned police officer was off-duty at the time of the shooting incident.

The JCF Investigating Officer informed INDECOM that the off-duty police officer was at a home with a woman when another man armed with a knife forced entry to the property. The other man was known by the female occupant of the house.

INDECOM’s investigation involved the processing of the incident scene, processing of the service firearm assigned to the off-duty officer and witness canvassing. The body of the deceased was also photographed. A ratchet knife was recovered from the incident scene and is alleged to have been in the possession of the now deceased.

During the initial scene response, the concerned officer declined to provide an initial account to INDECOM Investigators. The concerned officer was subsequently issued with a Notice to provide a statement and attend the office of the Commission to be interviewed pursuant to Section 21 of the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010.

INDECOM’s enquiry is still at an early stage of establishing facts and will seek to ascertain the full circumstances of this incident resulting in the discharge of the officer’s firearm and the death of a man.

INDECOM urges all persons who witnessed this fatal shooting incident or any other shooting incident to assist in the investigative process, by contacting the Commission’s Office with known information or by sending any photos and videos to INDECOM’s official WhatsApp at (876)553-5555.

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