Cop charged with shooting taxi operator

A member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Constable Denmar Johnson was placed before the St Thomas Parish Court on Wednesday, and charged in relation to the non-fatal shooting incident of a male taxi operator on August 12, 2024 at Wharf, Morant Bay in the parish.

Johnson alleged that during a confrontation, the taxi operator pulled a machete and attacked him, resulting in him discharging his firearm. No weapon was recovered by the Independent Commission of Investigations during its probe. Eyewitnesses also gave a contradictory report to that of the police officer. Following an investigation by INDECOM, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that Johnson should be charged for wounding with intent. Johnson was granted $450,000 bail with one to two sureties and reporting conditions. The next mention court date is September 19.

In 2025, eight officers, seven from the JCF and one from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), have been charged in relation to cases investigated by INDECOM. The officers were charged in relation to fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents and assaults. In 2024, 24 JCF officers, three DCS officers and one Jamaica Defence Force officer, were charged in relation to an INDECOM investigated incident.

Since 2024, 36 law enforcement officers have been charged following an INDECOM investigation.