West Kingston MP Desmond McKenzie says cop pepper-sprayed him during police operation

West Kingston Member of Parliament and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says he was pepper-sprayed by a police officer while trying to calm angry residents following a police shooting in his constituency on Tuesday morning.

The incident unfolded shortly before 7 a.m. after a police shooting sparked tension in the community, with residents alleging that officers had used excessive force.

Speaking in an interview with Nationwide News Network, McKenzie said he rushed to the area to defuse the situation and prevent tensions from escalating.

"When I came, the community was very upset because they are saying men who were going to work were abused by the police," he said.

According to McKenzie, he urged residents to remain calm and allow officers to continue their operation before making his way to Spanish Town Road to speak with a senior policeman.

He said while speaking with the officer, a crowd began to gather.

"When I was there talking, the crowd started to gather and everybody started to make noise... This young lady said something. I don't know what she said to the police, but the police attempted to hold her. She ran behind me," McKenzie recounted.

The veteran parliamentarian said he then intervened.

"I said to the policeman, hold on, the policeman proceed to pepper-spray me," he said.

McKenzie said the officer later asked whether he wanted to be taken to hospital, but he declined.

He described the incident as disappointing, noting the generally positive relationship that has existed between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and residents of West Kingston.

"We have had a very good relationship with the police here in West Kingston. We enjoy that relationship, and we have no problem with the residents of the community," he said.

Video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.

"But an incident like this this morning is not something I can tolerate or condone. You pepper-sprayed me as an ordinary Jamaican... Don't think about me as a Member of Parliament or because of who I am. If I did something, you had a right to pepper-spray me, and there was no need for the police to use pepper-spray," McKenzie added.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has been notified of the police shooting and has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The condition of the person shot by police was not immediately known.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has not yet released details on the circumstances that led to the shooting.

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