Key Takeaways
- Mandeville Police recovered a licensed Glock and 11 rounds of ammunition after a businesswoman reported her handbag stolen.
- The police found the firearm after questioning a suspect who led them to an unfinished building near Mandeville Market.
- Authorities caution firearm holders against negligence, as it could lead to fines up to $5 million or 5 years’ imprisonment.
- Firearm holders must securely store their weapons and report any loss or theft immediately to avoid legal repercussions.
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The police recovered the firearm during an operation. They did so after receiving information that a man had been seen with the weapon at the Mandeville Market.
Officers from the Mandeville Police Department have recovered a licensed Glock firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition over the weekend. The weapon reportedly belongs to a 55-year-old businesswoman.
The woman subsequently reported the matter to the police, who launched an investigation.
According to reports, on Thursday, November 5, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the woman parked her car in front of her business place in Mandeville. She left her handbag with her Glock pistol inside the car and secured it. However, when she returned about three hours later, she realized that her handbag was missing.
Superintendent Odean Dennis, who oversees the Mandeville police, said the police held and questioned the targeted suspect. The suspect later directed investigators to an unfinished building near the Mandeville market, where they recovered the firearm and ammunition. Investigators have withheld the identity of the suspect pending further investigation.
In the meantime, detectives are investigating the theft. They are also examining whether the firearm holder was negligent in the weapon’s use and care.
Dennis mentioned that this was the first incident of its kind reported in the parish since the beginning of the year. However, he cautioned licensed firearm holders against careless storage and handling of their weapons. He warned that stolen firearms could eventually fall into the hands of criminals. This could put entire communities at risk.
Firearm authorization holders could face a fine of up to $5 million for neglect in care and use of a firearm.
According to Section 74 of Jamaica’s Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, firearm authorization holders must ensure that their weapons and ammunition are securely stored. In particular, they must prevent unauthorized access.
If the police investigation finds that the firearm holder was negligent in the use and care of the weapon, she could face a fine of up to $5 million. Alternatively, she could face up to 5 years’ imprisonment if convicted in the parish court.
The law stipulates that a firearm authorization may be revoked if the holder is convicted of negligence. This applies if negligence results in the loss or theft of a firearm or ammunition.
Additionally, firearm holders are required to report any lost or stolen weapons to the police as soon as they become aware of the loss. Failing to report the loss without a reasonable excuse is also considered an offense.