KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Police Federation has thrown its support behind the policeman who was involved in the shooting of a bus driver in Spalding, Clarendon on Tuesday. The officer was also physically assaulted during the incident.

In a statement today, the federation condemned the “blatant attack” on the policeman, who it said “has its full support in dealing with this traumatic experience”.

The incident, which quickly started making the rounds on social media, began with an altercation between a policeman and the bus driver, who was stopped for his documents to be checked.

After looking at the documents, the policeman asked that the vehicle be put on a wrecker, which led to the dispute. Another policeman reportedly intervened after his colleague was assaulted and the bus driver shot.

A police service vehicle was badly damaged and reinforcement had to be called in to restore order in the area following the confrontation.

The federation in its statement said the attack “was unwarranted and shows the volatile climate and wanton disregard for law and order in which the Jamaican police operates”.

Chairman of the Police Federation Inspector Sheldon Gordon is urging rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to “remain calm and professional in light of escalating unprovoked attacks during the lawful execution of their duties”.

The JCF and the Independent Commission of Investigations are both investigating the incident.