October 13, 2021 – On October 12, 2021, JCF officer, Constable Michael Shakes was placed before the Westmoreland Parish Court, by way of summons, to answer to charges for breaching Section 33 of The Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010. These charges were as a result of an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

INDECOM commenced an investigation into a road traffic accident resulting in a fatality in January 2015 along Spring Garden Main Road, Westmoreland. It was reported that police officers were conducting spot checks when the deceased was approaching the area on a motorcycle, turned around and proceeded in the other direction and eventually crashed. Officers at the scene fired in the direction of the man on the motorcycle.  During the investigation, Constable Shakes denied discharging his firearm at the scene. Forensic evidence contradicted Constable Shakes’ account and confirmed that recovered cartridge casings from the scene were fired from a firearm issued to Constable Shakes.  Constable Shakes was therefore charged for willfully making a false statement to mislead the Commission.

The matter was set for mention on November 2, 2021.

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