ECNETNews, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: The tragic death of a senior police officer in Jamaica has been labeled a “tragic and very traumatic situation” by National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang. The disturbing incident unfolded on Monday night when a man being escorted from the court wrested control of a policeman’s firearm, resulting in the officer being shot before the assailant turned the weapon on himself.
The incident took place at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station in St. Andrew, near the capital. The deceased officer, Detective Sergeant Kevin Mayne, 47, was honored for his dedication, while the assailant was identified as Deon Singh, who was in court facing multiple charges of fraudulent conversion related to motor vehicle sales.
Dr. Chang expressed the unusual nature of the event, stating, “Being shot at a police station while performing routine duties is highly traumatic and bizarre.” He called for support for the police force, emphasizing that Detective Sergeant Mayne was a capable officer within the Criminal Investigations Branch.
Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), provided additional insights. She noted that Singh was not handcuffed during his transport from the adjacent Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, a standard procedure. The investigation will determine whether operational changes are necessary moving forward.
Singh had recently been granted bail following a new report that was brought to the detective’s attention in court. The incident occurred while Detective Sergeant Mayne was escorting Singh to his office to further the investigation.
“Singh attacked, disarmed, and shot the detective sergeant. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported,” Lindsay mentioned, addressing inquiries regarding the involvement of Singh’s wife in the fraudulent activities. The violent confrontation ensued during the transfer, when another officer attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful in preventing the tragedy.
Lindsay affirmed that the colleagues of the fallen officer are experiencing profound emotional distress, and the Independent Commission of Investigations has been notified of the tragic event.
