MONTEGO BAY, St James — A former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who allegedly embarked on a destructive rant inside a pharmacy in Fairview last October has been found fit to plead.

The ex-cop, Michael Mendez, was back before the court on Wednesday where it was disclosed that a psychiatric evaluation confirmed he is fit to answer to the charge of malicious destruction of property.

But the trial did not get under way as prosecutors told Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton that they are awaiting further statements from the supervisor on duty at the time and the property manager.

Mendez, who was represented by attorney-at-law Jermaine Campbell, was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 with up to three sureties. He is scheduled to return to court on January 28.

Before granting bail, the judge questioned Mendez’s sister, who was present in court, about his living arrangements if released.

“If your brother is given bail, who will he reside with?” the judge asked.

In response the sister said he could stay with either their mother, grandmother, or on his own but she pointed out that the family would not be able to tell him what to do.

Mendez then addressed the court, saying, “I will follow instructions, Your Honour.”

The ex-cop was charged following an incident at the Fontana Pharmacy branch in Fairview, St James, on October 9 2025.

Mendez is reported to have entered the store, demanded to know who the manager was, then proceeded to pull items from shelves, damaging several of them. The value of the damaged property has not yet been determined.

Mendez was escorted from the store by staff and later located by police in his vehicle in the parking lot. It is further alleged that he made statements indicating he would return to the pharmacy continue the destruction.