Negril party patron fatally shot in altercation with guard

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Dream Weekend 'No Weapons' policy seemed to have been defied by 37-year-old Jean Matthieu, who reportedly drew for his licensed firearm during an altercation with a security guard, resulting in his death.

Reports are that the Kingston businessman, who was pronounced dead at hospital at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Friday, was at the Dream Life Party at Cayenne Beach, Negril, Westmoreland, when he tried to force his way into the VIP area with a female who did not have an armband.

Matthieu allegedly hit the security guard several times then pulled his licensed 9mm Sigsaur and pointed it into the guard's face. In defence, the security guard pulled his 9mm Glock, firing a round that hit the deceased in the chest.

The death has left gloom over the 10th anniversary event, which has become a staple on the island's events calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from overseas.

"We are truly saddened that somebody lost their life, but from the police report, we were told that our security was called into action to defend his life and the life of others," Dream Entertainment's Kamal Bankay told The Gleaner.

PROTOCOL BREACH

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Bankay said that patrons were instructed to leave their firearm at the Negril Police Station, and he could not decipher how Matthieu got inside the event with his.

"My job is to work within the policy, and all our tickets clearly state that firearms are not allowed in the venues," stated Bankay.

He added that adequate signs were also placed at the entrance of the venues, where patrons were searched thoroughly by police personnel attached to the event.

"If they make their way inside the venue with a firearm, there is a clear breach," he argued.

A video on social media showing two women pumping the chest of the dead man trying to resuscitate him was also cleared up by Bankay.

"We have multiple medical teams on site, and as soon as we heard the explosion, I took the team to check on what was happening."

He said that his medical team transported Matthieu to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

Thursday night was the first in a series of 10 events marking the anniversary weekend.