The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were denied bail yesterday after being charged in connection with an early morning shoot-out with police officers in an inner-city community.

Fort Fincastle residents Dwayne McPhee Jr, 18, and Wendell Fleurena, 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and five counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

It is claimed that the pair, on May 16, were in possession of a 7.62 rifle and used it to endanger lives of Cleveland Sawyer Jr, (Acting) Inspector Pierre, Constable 2823 Rolle, Constable 2790 McPhee and Reserve Corporal 771 Greenslade.

Officers were responding to reports that gunshots had been heard in the Fort Fincastle and Mason’s Addition area around 3.30am and when they arrived were confronted by four men with firearms.

The resulting gunfire led to the arrest of two suspects, who allegedly opened fire at them, and the fatal shooting of another suspect, who also opened fire on police.

Police prosecutor ASP Clifford Daxon informed the court that the Attorney General’s office would be reviewing the matter with the intention of fast-tracking the case to the Supreme Court through presentation of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

That presentation is scheduled for July 22, the next Magistrate’s Court appearance for McPhee Jr and Fleurena, who were denied bail because the chief magistrate did not have the jurisdiction to consider a bond on the charges they faced.

They were remanded to the Department of Correctional Services but have the right to apply for bail to the Supreme Court. They are represented by Ian Cargill.

Another man is being pursued in connection with the matter while the death of 20-year-old Deangelo Bodie Wallace during the shoot-out is being investigated by the Coroner.