Teen shot in Seaview Gardens, INDECOM probing matter
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 15-year-old boy, on holiday from the United States of America, was shot and injured during an operation by the security forces in Seaview Gardens yesterday.
The teenager, an aspiring footballer who lives in the Bronx, New York, was shot in the leg, and hospitalised.
“Ah big time foolishness gwaan because the little youth hear gunshot ah fire and run because him scared and the security forces dem see him ah run and fire shot inna him leg. He was unarmed, him never involve, him done play football and go shop go buy bag juice and dem shoot him because him hear shot and ah run,” dancehall artiste Juggla, who is the boy’s uncle, said.
Doctors performed surgery on the teen as the bone in his leg was shattered.
“We demand a full and thorough investigation,” an upset Juggla said.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was informed, attended and began investigating the shooting injury of the 15-year-old male student.
The full circumstances regarding the shooting and injury are being determined by the Commission’s investigation.
The security forces report an engagement with at least one (possibly two males) one of whom is reported as allegedly pointing a firearm at the members of the security forces. It is reported that of the responding officers, no JDF officer fired their weapon but one policeman fired his weapon during the incident.
No weapon was reported to INDECOM investigators as being recovered from the scene.
INDECOM is now urging the cooperation of people who may have witnessed the incident to share any information, photos or video footage to the Commission’s Whatsapp line at (876)553-5555.