MONTEGO BAY, St James — Former police officer Michael Mendez is to undergo further psychiatric evaluation as proceedings continue before the St James Parish Court in relation to an alleged destructive incident at a Montego Bay pharmacy last year.

Mendez faces a charge of malicious destruction of property stemming from an incident on October 9, 2025 at Fontana Pharmacy in Fairview, Montego Bay. He is being represented by attorney Jermaine Campbell.

When the matter was mentioned on Wednesday before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, the court took note of Mendez’s demeanour during the hearing. The judge raised concern about his current mental state, forming the view that he requires additional psychiatric assessment and is not yet in a position to proceed to trial. An order was, therefore, made for him to undergo further evaluation, and the case remains on the mention list.

Mendez, who was previously granted bail in the sum of $300,000, had his bail extended to May 5.

The charge arises from allegations that he entered Fontana Pharmacy, requested to see the manager, and then began removing items from shelves, damaging several products. The total value of the products damaged has not yet been determined.

It is further alleged that a staff member escorted him from the store, after which police later found him inside his vehicle in the parking lot. Authorities say he also made statements indicating an intention to return and continue the destruction.

He was subsequently arrested and charged.