KINGSTON, Jamaica — A policeman was charged after he was allegedly caught with an illegal gun in Denham Town, West Kingston, recently.

The accused, 28-year-old Constable Shemar Whyte, was charged following a ruling from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Observer Online understands.

Whyte reportedly resides in Denham Town but is assigned to the St Mary Police Division.

He is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition.

No court date was given for the accused.

Reports reaching Observer Online indicated that around 11:30 pm on April 26, police on mobile patrol duties saw a white Toyota Mark X driving along Race Course Lane in a dangerous and reckless manner.

The police signalled the driver to stop, and he disobeyed and sped off. A chase ensued, after which the police managed to intercept the vehicle at the intersection of Regent Street and North Street.

Whyte and two other men were in the car. The men were searched, and a Smith and Wesson .40 pistol with a magazine containing twelve .40 rounds was removed from the cop’s waistband.

Whyte identified himself as a police constable but failed to give a proper account for the firearm. He was then arrested, and an investigation launched by the Kingston Western police.

A file was sent to the ODPP after the investigation, and Whyte was charged after a question-and-answer session.
– David Dunkley