Corporal Grant (left) attempts to calm a crowd of protesters in Campbell Town, Central Kingston, yesterday after residents blocked sections of North Avenue in the community to protest against the alleged beating of a taxi operator of the area by the police. An unidentified plain clothes policeman (right), explains himself to Grant after angry residents demanded that he return a Motorolla Razr cellphone which he had confiscated from a resident who had been taking pictures of the actions displayed by the lawmen. Prior to this, Corporal Grant had discharged his weapon twice. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

There were chaotic scenes in Campbell Town, Central Kingston, yesterday morning as residents blocked the streets to protest against what they say was a case of police brutality.

According to the residents, 46-year-old Winston 'Bigga' Johnson was chased into his home by six policemen who were conducting traffic duties. He was reportedly beaten by the police.

A resident who recounted the event, told this reporter that one of the policemen who was involved in the beating, had threatened to return to the community with violence.

Ten minutes later, as the reporter was gathering information from the common-law wife of Mr. Johnson, an unmarked white Toyota Corolla motor car was seen speeding into the community. Two explosions were then heard.

Residents scampered in all directions and a man dressed in a khaki-coloured shirt and blue jeans, who residents addressed as Corporal Grant, alighted from the vehicle, wielding his handgun. He then engaged the residents in an argument.

As The Gleaner team made its way closer, Grant, still with gun in hand, was heard telling a resident that they were subjecting themselves to abuse by blocking the roads.

Another resident then questioned the necessity of firing the shots, to which he replied: "Fi get him (a resident) to move away."

A third policeman, clad in blue denim, was then observed trying to clear the blockade the residents had mounted, but his attempts proved futile.

The reporter, still unidentified, then asked Corporal Grant which police station he was attached to. He questioned her identity, while intimidating her with his weapon.

After identifying herself as a reporter with The Gleaner Company, he then answered, "How was I supposed to know that?"

Cellphone seized

Immediately after, there was an uproar when a resident alleged that a third policeman on the scene had seized his cellphone which he had used to take pictures of the chaotic events.

The angry residents began crowding around the policeman demanding that he return the instrument. Instead, he pulled his gun, intimidating them.

Upon realising that a journalist was on the scene, the three then drove out of the community.

Within two minutes, three marked police vehicles arrived.

The Professional Standards Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is investigating the matter.

- Y.S.