Jamaica: Senior cop collapses following conviction on wounding, misconduct charges

(Jamaica Gleaner) Senior Superintendent of Police Anthony Castelle, who had been on trial over the past two years for shooting a pregnant woman during a high-speed police chase in 2016, collapsed and had to be hospitalised after he was found guilty in the St James Parish Circuit Court today.

Castelle was on trial before presiding judge Natalie Hart-Hines on charges of unlawful wounding and misconduct in a public office arising from the January 22, 2016, incident.

He was jointly charged with District Constable Rohan McIntosh, who was later discharged following a no-case submission on November 9 this year.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 14.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anthony Castelle

Errol Chattoo, director of complaints at the Independent Commission of Investigations’ (INDECOM) western regional office, told The Gleaner that the next step in the case will depend on Castelle’s condition at that time.

Castelle was arrested and charged by INDECOM on May 18, 2016, following the shooting.

It is reported that on the day in question, a police team chased and opened fire on a motor car after the driver, a taxi operator, disobeyed an order to stop and sped off.

Janice Hines, who was 19 years old and pregnant at the time, was a passenger in the car. She was shot and injured, after which she was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital.