THE Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has remained tight-lipped after one of its members is reported to have accidentally shot and injured his girlfriend at Crescent Road, Kingston 10, on Monday evening.

The 25-year-old nail technician, who has since been hospitalised, was shot during an altercation at her home with the 40-year-old JDF corporal.

Late Tuesday, police said they had recorded a statement from the soldier and were trying to collect one from the injured woman. The soldier’s licensed firearm has since been seized. He was not taken into custody.

Captain Roxene Nickle, the JDF’s communications officer, said the army is awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation before taking any action in the matter.

The Jamaica Observer was told that about 6:30 pm an argument developed between the soldier and his girlfriend.

The argument escalated and the woman threw stones and bottles at her boyfriend, the police reported. The soldier reportedly pulled his licensed firearm out of fear for his life.

It was reported that the corporal slipped during the incident and accidentally discharged a round, hitting his girlfriend in her right leg. She was taken to hospital for treatment.

It is the second reported accidental shooting of a spouse committed by a member of the security forces in recent times. Last month, 20-year-old Jimoy Suckoo was fatally shot while at a hotel with her cop partner.

The policeman gave statements indicating that his gun had accidentally fired and hit Suckoo. However, the girl’s family have disputed the claim. It has also been reported that the cop provided conflicting accounts of the incident.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is looking into that shooting but said it does not probe incidents involving members of JDF while they are off duty.