June 22, 2023 –The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) responded to and commenced investigations into a police fatal shooting incident resulting in the death of 23 year old, Jerraine Bent. The incident occurred on June 21, 2023 along the Bog Walk Gorge in St. Catherine.

INDECOM’s investigation involved the processing of the incident scene, processing of the firearms assigned to the police officers, processing of vehicles, witness canvassing and initial interviews. The concerned officers were issued with Notices 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. The body of the deceased was also photographed, and his hands were swabbed for gunshot residue testing.

No weapon was reported as recovered from the deceased.

INDECOM’s enquiries will seek to ascertain the full circumstances of this incident. The police reported that a shootout ensued during the search and pursuit of a stolen vehicle from St. Andrew. It is reported that one police officer was injured during this incident and other occupants of the alleged stolen vehicle escaped.

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.

Other members from INDECOM’s South Eastern Regional team are currently responding and investigating another fatal shooting incident on St. John’s Road in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. This incident, which occurred this morning, was reported as a joint police/ military operation.

These two most recent fatal shooting incidents bring the total to fifty-seven (57) persons who have been shot and killed in 2023 in incidents involving members of the Security Forces, of which nine persons were killed in June 2023.

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