St Thomas videographer held after imitation firearms found in home

Police in St Thomas have arrested a videographer after discovering three black imitation firearms during a predawn operation at his home in Yallahs on Monday.

The imitation weapons were among four homemade firearms seized during coordinated raids in the parish.

In a separate operation in Wheelersfield, lawmen seized an imitation shotgun and an illegal .38 revolver. Two brothers were arrested in connection with that raid, which also took place early Monday morning.

A detective close to the investigations told The Gleaner that despite not being real, imitation firearms can be used to intimidate or commit crimes and are taken seriously under the new Firearms Act.

"The police are reminding the public that imitation firearms, though not real, can be used to threaten or commit crimes and are treated seriously under the new firearms act," the detective said.

Responding to questions about whether the items might have been props for the videographer's work, the officer explained that the law requires special clearance.

"Under the law, there has to be a special permit granted, and also, even if that is so, you must also have a registered business," the officer said.

"At this point, he doesn't seem to have met either of those," he added, noting that official charges against all three men are pending.

- Corey Robinson

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