MONDAY’S fatal shooting of a man at Cassia Park in Kingston by an off-duty policeman sparked a demonstration by residents of the area yesterday.

Residents said the man, Robert Hewitt, a 29 year-old cabinet maker of Cassia Park Road, was chased by the off-duty policeman and shot. He was pronounced dead at hospital.

However, the Constabulary Communication Network, the police’s information arm, said the Hewitt was shot after the policeman intervened in an incident where he was seen stabbing another man at the intersection of Waltham Park Road and Molynes Road.

The CCN said when accosted, Hewitt attacked the policeman with a knife and was shot by the policeman.

The Cassia Park residents said yesterday that the action of the policeman was a direct contradiction of the role of lawmen.

“Too many bad cop deh a road. Full time de commissioner tek dem off, and get competent people fi join the force,” said Jonah Bromfield.

A man who claimed he was an eyewitness said that Hewitt was playing dominoes and drinking with friends when an altercation developed in which Hewitt used his knife to stab the man, who fell unconscious for about five minutes.

“Robert then jump pon him bicycle and ride off. The police did a get gas, lef him wife and pickney there and drive down Robert and shot him,” said Dave Watson, apparently unconcerned about the man stabbed by Hewitt and left lying on the ground.

Another resident, Judith Dennis, said the policeman was not on duty and so should not have intervened.

“The police chase him down and shoot him innah him back, see the blood yah,” Dennis said, pointing to the blood-stained spot where Hewitt fell.

“Justice, we want justice,” said a man who gave his name as Junior.

“Murder, dem murder Robert!” read one of the placards carried by the protesting residents.

Cynthia Brown, Hewitt’s mother, said that she would be praying for the policeman who shot and killed her son.

“Right now, mi caan tell you how mi feel. Mi ago pray and fast fi dah policeman deh weh kill mi bwoy,” she said.

The man who was stabbed by Hewitt was treated at hospital and released.