KINGSTON, Jamaica – A 22-year-old wholesale employee has been fined $50,000 for resisting arrest following an altercation with the police, reported at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
During his court appearance before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, the young man recounted the incident that led to his arrest. He explained that he had stepped out of his workplace to get some fresh air, given the sweltering conditions inside. It was then that police officers spotted a ratchet knife attached to his belt loop.
“Your Honour, I work at a wholesale and the time did hot. I went outside to catch some fresh air. When me go out deh, the police dem signal to me because dem spot a ratchet knife on my belt loop,” he recounted. “Dem tek it off and say dem ago charge me for it. After the police take off the knife dem a gimme back the key ring and mi say ‘no man yuh can just dash weh dat.'”
Prosecutors informed the court that police had attempted to handcuff the man before transporting him to the station to lay charges. However, the young man became boisterous and uncooperative. Judge Burrell, observing the man’s demeanor and tone of voice, deduced that he remained upset about the incident.
When asked why he resisted, the man revealed his dissatisfaction with how the police treated him, believing that handcuffing him was unnecessary. “Dem coulda simply tell mi fi go up inna di car,” he said.
In response, Judge Burrell offered stern advice. “Oh, so you want to tell the police how to do their jobs. I tell people all the time, comply then complain,” she said before delivering her judgment.
“For resisting arrest, I’m fining you $50,000 wid you outta order 22-year-old self. Don’t do it again,” she concluded as she adjourned the matter.
In addition to the fine for resisting arrest, the man was also fined $3,000 for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. The case underscores the importance of following law enforcement directives and the legal repercussions of resistance.
