Jamaica cop killed in alleged gunfight with colleagues

(Jamaica Observer) OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Police Constable Sheldon Williams, accused of misbehaviour while on a pleasure boat in this resort town, was fatally shot under questionable circumstances during a confrontation with his colleagues Sunday night, prompting a probe by the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI).

Terrence Williams, commissioner of the recently formed Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), said on Monday night that his office would manage, supervise, direct and control the investigation into the death of Constable Williams, as well as five other controversial fatal police shootings.

Constable Williams was said to be among several police personnel participating in a fundraising party aboard the boat when he was accused of behaving in a boisterous manner and also of discharging several rounds in the air. He was reportedly warned for prosecution by a senior cop who was also a patron at the party.

Williams was arrested when he disembarked the vessel and was taken to the Ocho Rios Police Station.

It was alleged that while the constable was being processed inside the guardroom, he reached for his firearm, which was reportedly taken from him and placed on a table. It is said that Williams grabbed the gun, ran and allegedly fired at his colleagues who chased him. The officers, a source claimed, fired back and Williams received a fatal bullet.