Court hears that cabbie extorted of $200

A Corporate Area man who reportedly demanded $200 from a taxi man in extortion fees was remanded in custody yesterday when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Quran Patterson is charged with assault at common law and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty. The complainant, who is a taxi operator, made a report that on February 14 at 9:15 a.m., he drove his motor vehicle to North Odeon Avenue in Half-Way Tree to let out passengers. He said that at that point, Patterson, whom he identified as 'Q', walked up to him and demanded money from him in an aggressive manner. It is reported that the complainant told Patterson that he had nothing to give and closed the doors to his vehicle. The court heard that the accused began dragging the door, which caused the complainant to exit the car with $200 in hand. He said Patterson grabbed the money from him, held on to his shirt, then grabbed his throat and placed a knife, which was about nine inches long, to his throat. Patterson allegedly said "Me will kill yuh fi my own cuz a ramp yuh a ramp wid me."

It was further reported that the complainant unsuccessfully tried to push Patterson away. The complainant was then assisted by other taxi operators. He informed a police sergeant of the incident. The court heard that Patterson was apprehended later that day and when he was cautioned, he allegedly said "Offica, Jah know, no bail? Boy a dem ting yah me caah deal wid, enuh, star. Me and him [the complainant] have a likkle talk but me never tek nuh money from him."

CRIMINAL RECORDS

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague heard that Patterson was arrested by the police when he went to report at the police station as part of his bail condition in another matter of unlawful wounding which he has before the courts. The matter was adjourned by the judge in attempts to check if Patterson is a defendant or accused of other criminal matters currently before the courts as well as to have his criminal records made available.

Patterson was made the subject of a fingerprint order and was remanded until March 28. At that time, a bail application is to be heard.