MONTEGO BAY, St James — Tension erupted at a Cassava Walk residence in this parish early on August 22, leaving one man shaken and property damaged.

Melvin Ricketts appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, facing charges of assault at common law and malicious destruction of property.

According to the prosecution, the incident unfolded about 7:00 am when the complainant was at his grandfather’s home. Ricketts reportedly arrived at the residence, prompting the grandfather to instruct the complainant to ask him to leave. Words quickly escalated into a heated argument.

Ricketts allegedly brandished a knife, pressing it toward the complainant’s chest. A struggle ensued, during which the complainant wrested the weapon from Ricketts’ grasp.

The confrontation did not end there. Ricketts is said to have left the yard, only to return moments later to begin hurling stones at the grandfather’s house, shattering windows and causing further damage. The matter was reported to the police, leading to Ricketts’ arrest and subsequent charges.

The court did not disclose the precise relationship between Ricketts and the complainant.

Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton scheduled the case for mention on September 24 and extended bail for Ricketts in the interim.