MONTEGO BAY, St James — What began as a fiery confrontation in bustling Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay fizzled in St James Parich Court Wednesday with charges against Karen Brown being dismissed.

Brown had been accused of unlawful wounding in relation to a volatile May 22 incident involving a payment dispute with a fellow market vendor.

According to court records, Brown — tasked with collecting fees from vendors operating within the market — approached the complainant and demanded payment for a load of goods. But the conversation quickly turned sour when the complainant explained that the load belonged to someone else and promised to settle her own account once the rightful owner returned.

Tensions flared in an instant. Brown allegedly hurled insults at the complainant then pushed her, igniting a struggle that ended with Brown reportedly stabbing the woman in the hand.

The injury was visible and serious enough to prompt a criminal charge. But the courtroom drama took an unexpected turn when the complainant announced before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton that she no longer wished to continue with the case.

With the complainant unwilling to proceed, the prosecution formally offered no evidence, and the charge of unlawful wounding was dropped.