Probe Underway into Shooting of Bahamian National During JDF Coast Guard Boat Chase

Jamaica Crime News: JDF Coast Guard Boat Chase – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is investigating the circumstance under which a Bahamian national was shot during a boat chase by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guards on May 30 this year.

The injured Bahamian has been identified as Taze Turnquest of a Bahamas address. He is jointly charged with Levi Rolle and Dolton Cash for failing to obey lawful command given by a Marine Officer contrary to Section 27 of the Maritime Areas Act.

It is alleged that the men were spotted in a boat on Jamaican waters by JDF Coast Guards. A chase ensued, warning shots were fired, and it was later discovered that one of the men was shot in his right shoulder. Nothing illegal was found in the boat.

The matter came up for mention before presiding judge Sandria Wong-Small in the St. James Parish Court on Thursday, June 6 where the prosecution contemplated its decision of proper jurisdiction.

After careful review of the case file and consultation with the JDF Coast Guards, who say they first saw the boat off the coast of Lucea in Hanover, the prosecution determined that the case should be transferred to the Hanover Parish Court.

Judge Wong-Small at that point transferred the case to the Hanover Parish Court for mention on Friday, June 7, and Cash and Tolle were subsequently taken back to the lock-up. Turnquest, who was not before the court, remains hospitalized.