Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
COMMISSIONER OF Police Lucius Thomas has ordered the immediate suspension of five policemen who were on cell duties when a male prisoner was reportedly set ablaze at the St. James Police Divisional Headquarters lock-up in Montego Bay on Wednesday night./
Superintendent Warren Clarke, commanding officer for the parish, said yesterday that the commissioner's directive was an attempt to maintain transparency in the investigation.
"We have not been able to finger anyone, but what I can say is that the supervisor and staff at the lock-up at the time are being interviewed in order to place responsibility," Supt. Clarke explained.
"We are also talking to prisoners including the victim."
According to reports reaching The Gleaner, a constable is the main suspect in the incident.
UNDER POLICE GUARD
The Gleaner has learnt that the injured man, arrested on robbery charges, has been admitted to hospital under police guard with severe burns to the head and back.
He said details as to how the act was carried out against the 22-year-old inmate, whose identity is being withheld, are still not clear. However, Mr. Clarke noted that investigators would vigorously probe the incident, which occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m.
"We regret the incident and we are determined to get to the bottom of it," the officer further stated. "The incident will be vigorously investigated by the Professional Standards Branch and myself."
