Suspect in cop shooting remanded

Kirk Lawson, who was arrested and charged for allegedly shooting and injuring a policeman in February 2023, was remanded in custody when he appeared in the St James Circuit Court on Friday.

Lawson, who is charged with wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of shooting with intent, was ordered remanded until June 27 by presiding High Court Justice Bertram Morrison. His lawyer, Michael Hemmings, was not present for the proceedings.

During Lawson's short court appearance, the prosecution disclosed that the investigating officer had just submitted a corporal's statement and a scene-of-crime CD to be added to the case file. However, the court was told that the forensic certificate and the ballistic certificate remain outstanding.

The allegations against Lawson are that on February 18, 2023, at 9:50 p.m., a police team was on patrol duty along Railway Lane in Montego Bay when they saw Lawson walking along the roadway. His actions aroused their suspicions, and when they approached him, Lawson reportedly pulled a firearm and opened fire at them. During an ensuing gun battle, a member of the police team was shot and injured. The wounded cop was transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital for treatment.

It is further alleged that Lawson subsequently turned up at the same hospital with a gunshot wound and was placed under police guard. He was formally charged on February 28, following an interview in the presence of his lawyer.

Lawson is also facing a murder charge, as he was implicated in the October 7, 2022 shooting death of auto sales representative Deveto Barnett, who was shot dead in Hendon Norwood. That matter is before the Western Regional Gun Court.