Man accused of shooting at police freed after repeated absence of police witness

A man who was accused of shooting at the police in November 2021 was freed in the Gun Court today arising from the repeated absence of a police witness to appear in court.

Kemar Edwards, who was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and assault at common law, walked free after the judge upheld submissions from his attorney, Charles Ganga-Singh.

Among other things, the attorney argued that his client was being unduly punished by the prolonged delay.

It was disclosed in court that the prosecution’s main witness, a policeman, has been absent from the proceedings, with the court being told that the cop was on sick leave.

The police witness has not completed his testimony in the trial.

The case has been stalled for more than a year.

When it was last called in December, the matter could not proceed because the witness was again said to be ill.

A similar situation arose today, Friday, February 6, prompting Edwards’ attorney to argue that the matter should be dismissed.

Justice Lisa Palmer Hamilton subsequently ordered Edwards’ release.

It was being alleged that in November 2021, Edwards fired at police officers who were travelling in a motor vehicle along Old Stony Hill Road, St Andrew.

Edwards denied firing at the police.

He reported that in November 2021, he went to the Stony Hill Police Station in St Andrew to report a shooting incident because he was shot in the foot.

After he made the report, a friend took him to the hospital where he was treated.

While at the hospital, the police questioned him and he told them shots were fired at him and he had to run.

He was arrested and charged.

He made numerous court appearances and maintained his innocence throughout.

- Rasbert Turner

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