ST JAMES, Jamaica — A high-level source within the St James police force has revealed that the man taken into custody for allegedly attempting to rape a woman on Wednesday afternoon was already facing a similar charge.

“He turned out to be somebody who was already facing a charge of rape,” the officer told OBSERVER ONLINE

The identity of the accused has not yet been made public as he is yet to be charged. However, the officer provided details of Wednesday’s incident, which temporarily halted a tour by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie.

“Sometime between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm, a female complainant boarded a taxi along Humber Avenue with the intention to reach downtown Montego Bay,” the officer said.

“The driver detoured and went onto Corinaldi Avenue, pulled a knife and informed her of his intention to rape her. She managed to get out of the car and attract the attention of police who were in the area,” the officer continued.

The police were part of a team accompanying McKenzie on a tour of Guild Club lands adjacent to Jarrett Park.

Cops subsequently arrested the man on Melvin Hall Avenue after hearing the woman’s screams.

The police are continuing their investigations into the matter.