Cop arrested in stolen car probe - JCF

A serving member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was arrested on Saturday night after being found in a stolen vehicle in Portmore, St Catherine, the police say.

The JCF confirmed in a statement Sunday that a swift and coordinated response by members of the St Andrew South and St Catherine South police divisions led to the successful recovery of the vehicle and the apprehension of the policeman, a detective corporal.

According to the police, the incident began at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Saturday when they received a report of robbery with aggravation along Coleyville Avenue in Kingston 20.

The complainant, a 19-year-old inDrive taxi operator, reported that he had been robbed at gunpoint by an individual who entered his vehicle and forcibly took control while it was in motion. He managed to escape unharmed and quickly contacted the authorities.

Acting on the report, the Police Emergency Communication Centre triggered a rapid, cross-divisional operational response. The vehicle was electronically tracked to a location in St Catherine.

The vehicle was intercepted and recovered along Dyke Road near the Jam World Complex in Portmore, through a coordinated effort involving both St Andrew South and St Catherine South police personnel, the statement said.

During the operation, an individual found inside the vehicle was identified as a detective corporal. He was taken into custody at the scene.

The police say a search of his person yielded a Glock 17 9mm service pistol, two magazines, and 34 rounds of ammunition — all government-issued equipment belonging to the JCF. He was also in possession of his official police identification.

The police say the vehicle was transported to the Greater Portmore Police Station, where it was processed by members of the Scene of Crime Unit. Several potential forensic exhibits were collected.

The officer remains in custody pending further investigation, which is being led by the Criminal Investigations Branch.

The JCF underscored its zero-tolerance approach to corruption within its ranks, saying it "remains committed to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour".

"We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any form of criminal conduct, particularly when perpetrated by those sworn to uphold the law. We will neither tolerate nor conceal wrongdoing in any quarters of the Force. Any member who entertains criminal inclinations will find no refuge within our ranks — they will be relentlessly investigated and made to face the full force of the law," it said.

The JCF commended the teams involved in the operation.

“Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are entrusted with extraordinary powers, specialised training, and state resources, and as such, they bear an even greater duty to uphold the law with integrity and accountability.”

The arrest comes amid mounting concern over rising incidents of car theft across the island.

According to police data, criminals stole approximately $905 million worth of motor vehicles in the first three months of 2024. Between January 1 and March 31, 474 vehicles were reported stolen, but only 76 were recovered.

- Andre Williams contributed to this story.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.