Calm restored to Boscobel after protest over police killing of shopkeeper, INDECOM launches probe

Livern Barrett, Senior Gleaner Writer

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has started a probe into the police killing of a beloved shopkeeper that triggered angry protests in Boscobel, St Mary Thursday morning.

Calm has since been restored to the area. 

The slain shopkeeper has been identified as 45-year-old David McLean.

Senior Public Relations Officer at INDECOM, Kahmile Reid says the police reported that an illegal firearm was recovered at the scene.

According to Reid, the police also reported that the shooting occurred after a team responded to reports that a "gunman" was seen in the Boscobel area.

She did not disclose the police account of how McLean was killed, but said preliminary checks revealed that three police personnel were involved in the shooting.

Reid said their weapons have been seized for ballistic tests and they have been served notices to attend an interview at INDECOM's New Kingston offices next week.

Meanwhile, the roadblocks were cleared after National Security Minister Robert Montague who is also the St Mary Western MP addressed residents and met with McLean's family.

News of McLean's death brought some residents to tears.

"He's a good yute. If you come off a the taxi late a night in front a him shop, him a walk with you go home," one resident told The Gleaner.

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