The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is still mum after police again had to intervene in a dispute between one of its soldiers and his girlfriend.

This time, however, the soldier has been charged after he was accused of physically assaulting the woman and pushing a firearm in her mouth.

Staff Sergeant Lascelles Archibald Burke, 42, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to injure, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and making use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Burke, who is from Waterford, St Catherine, was charged following a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Contacted yesterday, the JDF’s communications officer, Captain Roxene Nickle, said she has not received any information on the matter from the army.

Burke remains in police custody and his file will be submitted to the Gun Court today.

The latest incident, police said, occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the girlfriend’s workplace on Rousseau Road in Kingston.

According to the police, about 6:50 pm Burke visited the woman at work where they had a disagreement.

Police said during an argument, the girlfriend was hit and kicked several times all over her body, causing pain, bruises, and swelling. She was then pushed against a wall and a firearm forced into her mouth and throat.

Burke left the workplace after the incident and a report was made to the police. Following investigations, the soldier was interviewed in the presence of his attorney, and a file sent to the ODPP which ruled that Burke should be charged.

Last week, a 40-year-old JDF corporal’s gun was seized after his girlfriend was accidentally shot during a dispute at her home on Crescent Road, Kingston 10.

Police reported that the woman threw stones and bottles at her boyfriend, and he pulled his licensed firearm out of fear for his life. He later slipped and accidentally discharged a round, hitting her in the right leg.

Last week, the JDF said it was awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation into that incident before taking any action. Efforts to get an update on those investigations proved futile.