BEERSHEBA, St Elizabeth- Forty-three year old Corporal Anthony Watson is now a patient at the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth after coming under attack while on patrol in Beersheba District in the parish yesterday.

A man hunt has since been launched to capture the accused, John Allen, 36, of Woodland District.

Reports are that at about 10:30 am Watson was among officers from the New Market Police Area patrolling the community when they made contact with Allen.

After a brief conversation he started to run and Watson gave chase.

Allen allegedly turned and chopped the cop with a machete that he had in his hand, almost severing his right forearm and escaped.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Derrick Cochrane of the Area Three Police Division which serves the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon said that Allen was wanted on warrant for a 2011 attack on a citizen in the area.

He expressed on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) and the Rural Police a speedy recovery for the Corporal who is reported to be in serious but stable condition.

“This is a glaring example of the hazards of policing in the Jamaican environment” said ACP Cochrane.

-Alicia Sutherland