October 1, 2026
Two police officers and a correctional officer charged in connection with separate assault matters probed by INDECOM
Written byGeorgetta Williams
Two police officers and a correctional officer have been charged in connection with three separate assault matters investigated by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
INDECOM said following investigations, the matters were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which issued rulings for charges to be laid.
Constable Omari Gooden appeared before the St. Catherine Parish Court on September 22, and was charged with unlawful wounding.
INDECOM said the charge is in relation to the assault of a male civilian on July 30, 2020, along Burke Road in St. Catherine.
The complainant alleges that he sustained injuries to his lip, neck and right flank during a physical altercation arising from a dispute over vehicular damage.
The complainant was also charged by the police in relation to this incident.
INDECOM said following an unsuccessful mediation session, the concerned parties were bound over to return to court on November 13 for case management.
Meantime, the Commission said a Correctional Officer Tyrone Palmer, appeared before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court by summons on September 23, and was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The charge is in relation to the assault of a man on July 24, 2025, while in custody at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre.
INDECOM said the allegations arose from the use of force against the complainant after contraband was found and seized.
It said medical evidence states that the complainant sustained a rupture to the central part of his left eardrum, which subsequently healed.
The matter returns to court on November 24.
Meanwhile, Constable Akino Pennycooke appeared before the St. Catherine Parish Court on September 25, and was charged with unlawful wounding.
Constable Pennycooke was off-duty at the time of the incident.
INDECOM said the charge arose from the assault of a man at a residence in Portmore, St. Catherine, on December 22, 2025.
It said the medical reports indicated that the complainant suffered lacerations, one of which required sutures.
The matter returns to court on November 6.
INDECOM said these charges have increased to 18 the number of law enforcement officers charged this year in relation to incidents investigated by the Commission.
