KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old chef has been slapped with several charges including attempted murder following an incident on Wellington Street in Kingston on October 19.

He has been identified as Ellio Powell, otherwise called “Zakie” of North Cumberland Lane, Kingston 16. Powell has been charged with attempted murder (three counts), arson, malicious destruction of property with the use of a firearm, possession of prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and carrying firearm and ammunition in public without authorisation.

Reports from the Franklyn Town police are that about 4:20 am, a man was at his house along with three others when he heard explosions coming from outside.

The man allegedly looked through the window where he saw Powell running along the roadway with a firearm, after which fire and smoke were seen emanating from beneath the front and back doors of the house. The occupants reportedly tried to escape but were trapped by padlocked grills. The police were summoned and upon their arrival, they broke the locks and helped them escape safely.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade was alerted and the blaze was extinguished. The cost of the damage is estimated to be approximately $1 million.

Powell was subsequently arrested and charged.

His court date is being finalised.