RODNEY LONGMORE, the Television Jamaica (TVJ) cameraman who was injured during a confrontation between residents and police in Slipe district, St. Elizabeth last Thursday, says he will be pressing charges against the persons who assaulted him.
Mr. Longmore, who says he has covered the St. Elizabeth region for TVJ for nine years, told The Gleaner that he will able to identify his attackers.
He sustained injuries to his head and back. In addition, his camera was destroyed by the mob and his motor car damaged.
Five policemen, including Superintendent Fitzgerald Barred were also injured. So too a female resident who was shot in her right arm.
The Constabulary Communication Network said the incident is being probed by the Bureau of Special Investigations.
STAND-OFF CONDEMNED
The Slipe stand-off has been condemned by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ).
"This vicious attack on a member of the media is another sharp reminder to the citizens of the country that the forces of law and order are under siege, and further that those who support vigilante justice have no respect for the rest of the society," said the PAJ.
The MAJ was similarly vocal in its release: "The attack on the videographer is but yet another example of the breakdown in law and order and the vigilante justice which has become far too prevalent in the society."
Police report that the incident was triggered by the shooting of Roger Banton by a team from the St. Elizabeth Police division, at 5:30 p.m.
Banton was reportedly wanted by the police on murder and arson charges. Police say Banton was shot and killed after he opened fire at them as they approached the house where he was staying in Slipe.
Police say a Lorcin semi-automatic pistol was taken from his body.
Several Slipe residents, who say Banton was shot in cold blood, allegedly hurled stones at the police, damaging three service vehicles.
