ST JAMES, Jamaica — A morning encounter at the transport centre on Barnett Street, Montego Bay, escalated into an alleged physical confrontation that brought Tavon Thompson before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Thompson appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, facing charges of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Court documents state that on August 23, around 9:50 am, the complainant was entering a PPV bus where Thompson was seated. Allegedly, as the complainant passed Thompson, he raised his leg, causing the complainant to strike his foot. Thompson then reportedly pushed the complainant in the face.

After the complainant took his seat, Thompson reportedly stepped outside the bus and attempted to pull him through the window, causing pain and swelling to the complainant’s right hand. A physical struggle reportedly ensued outside the bus, during which Thompson is alleged to have held the complainant by the neck in a “deadlock” while gripping his left arm. The confrontation drew a crowd, prompting police officers in the vicinity to intervene.

Both men were taken to the Barnett Street Police Station, where Thompson was arrested and charged.

During proceedings, Thompson informed the court that he had also filed a report against the complainant, although that matter is not before the court.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton set the next mention date for October 15, when the cross-case is expected to be heard.

Thompson’s bail was extended until then.