Portmore man accused of shooting at police freed in Gun Court

Portmore, St Catherine mechanic Oshane Hayles, who was shot during an alleged shoot-out with police and later charged, was today freed in the Gun Court.

Hayles, 35, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and two counts of assault at common law.

Allegations were that on February 23, 2024, Hayles was held in Waterford in Portmore by the police, who claimed that he challenged cops, was shot and injured, and that an illegal gun was seized.

Hayles’ attorney, Roadain Richardson, disputed the police’s version of events.

During cross-examination, the witnesses gave contradictory accounts surrounding the day in question.

Among other things, Richardson pointed out that the witnesses gave differing testimony on whether the area where the incident happened was lit or dark, as well as on the issue of possession.

It was also pointed out that DNA evidence had excluded Hayles from the weapon.

Richardson submitted that the witnesses were not credible and that the Crown did not prove its case.

Presiding judge Justice Tara Reid-Carr upheld the submission and freed Hayles.

“This judgment reaffirms that every citizen is presumed innocent until the Crown proves otherwise. Once the officers were cross-examined, the evidence could not stand. The law required acquittal, and the court applied it faithfully,” Richardson said following the verdict.

- Rasbert Turner

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