Police investigators are probing a reported altercation between a policeman and a civilian at a party in Track Gate, Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, early Sunday morning.
A portion of the incident, which occurred sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., has since gone viral on social media. However, law enforcement sources have indicated that the video being circulated does not show the full sequence of events, particularly the moment when the officer was allegedly attacked before drawing his licensed firearm.
According to reports, the off-duty cop was speaking with a female patron when he was confronted and physically assaulted by a group of men. In response, the policeman drew his licensed firearm, which caused the men to scatter. During the commotion, one individual reportedly fell and was subsequently detained by the officer.
Both the policeman and the detained man have since provided statements to investigators. However, the civilian has reportedly chosen not to pursue the matter any further. In keeping with standard procedure, the officer’s firearm has been seized while the investigation continues.
The video making rounds on social media shows a man clad in a blue shirt and white jeans holding a firearm while confronting another man who is on the ground.
At one point, the armed man can be heard saying, “Yuh fraid a me? Yuh fraid a dis?” as he appears to strike the man with the weapon. Despite bystanders’ attempts to intervene and restrain him, the altercation persisted until the man on the ground stood up.
The video ends with women urging the civilian to “Go up a yard,” as the man holding the firearm eventually walks away.