LLUIDAS VALE: Tension rises between cops amid court action
July 24, 2019The relationship between two police officers who work at different places in Lluidas Vale, St Catherine, has taken a major nosedive, with both men seemingly heading to court against each other.
The two are Corporal Fitzroy Bennett who already is on interdiction, and Sergeant Oliver Johnson who in recent times has been heading the Shady Grove Police Station in Lluidas Vale.
Sergeant Johnson has been under fire from a number of residents and some of his colleagues who, over time, have been complaining to The Beacon about what they claim to be the sergeant’s heavy-handed approach to leadership and law enforcement.
Some residents, a few weeks ago, planned a street protest against the sergeant, but that did not materialize.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Johnson and Corporal Bennett, The Beacon understands, have been at loggerheads since the start of the year.
Things came to a head on the evening of July 19 when Sergeant Johnson reportedly swooped down on a party at Glenmore McLean Market in Lluidas Vale to verify if the promoter was stealing electricity to run the sound system.
It is alleged that Sergeant Johnson was informed that the electricity cables were connected at an adjoining property where Corporal Bennett manages a petrol station.
One of the event promoters called Corporal Bennett to the party venue as part of an effort to verify the source of electricity.
When Corporal Bennett reached the party venue, tension immediately heightened between him and Sergeant Johnson.
Sources said Sergeant Johnson eventually made certain comments that Corporal Bennett thinks amount to slander and defamation of character.
Corporal Bennett reportedly went to the Shady Grove Police Station and filed a report against Sergeant Johnson. It is also understood that Corporal Bennett’s lawyers are preparing documents to file in the Supreme Court against Sergeant Johnson and the Attorney General, considering that the police officer was in uniform when he made the controversial comments.
When The Beacon contracted Sergeant Johnson this afternoon, he declined to comment on the incident that unfolded this month between him and Corporal Bennett. He, however, stated that he is a firm upholder of the law, adding that he sometimes exercises leniency whenever petty offences are committed.
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Meanwhile, it is understood that the Shady Grove Police, headed by Sergeant Johnson, today issued summons for Corporal Bennett to appear before the Linstead Parish Court to answer to two charges.
He is being accused of using abusive language and obstructing Sergeant Johnson while the sergeant was conducting investigations regarding the aforementioned party.
Corporal Bennett has been tight lipped about the incident that happened in full view of area residents.
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