Teen slapped with various gun charges

Lawmen assigned to the St Mary Police Division have charged a 17-year-old boy with multiple firearm-related offences following an incident in Oracabessa, on June 12.

Reports from the Port Maria Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are that at 10:30 p.m., the teen allegedly went to the home of a man with whom he has an ongoing feud. During the visit, an argument developed and escalated into a physical confrontation. It is alleged that during the altercation, the teen withdrew a firearm from his waistband, pointed it at the man, and opened fire, hitting him in the arm.

An off-duty police officer intervened to defuse the situation. During the intervention, the teen allegedly pointed the firearm at the officer and fired several shots in his direction. The lawman returned fire. The teen reportedly made his escape in a Toyota Probox after ordering the driver, at gunpoint, to take him to another location. He later fled the area.

Sometime later, the teen turned up at hospital suffering from gunshot wounds to the abdomen. He was treated and released into police custody. Following a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of his attorney, he was charged with: wounding with intent with the use of a firearm (two counts); possession of a prohibited weapon; unauthorised possession of ammunition; shooting with intent; using a firearm to commit a felony; unlawful detention; assault at common law (two counts); using a firearm to commit a first schedule offence; and being a part of a criminal organisation.

His court date is being finalised.