STOLEN ANIMAL SAGA IN ST MARY
Two police officers have been removed from front-line duties in the St Mary police division, following an incident in the Petersfield district in the parish on Thursday, October 25.
It is reported that the policemen had come under attack by people hurling stones and, in response, one of the lawmen fired a warning shot in the air. No one was injured. 
Information reaching The North Coast Times is that the incident took place in Petersfield district near Retreat in St Mary.
Reports are that a farmer left four head of cattle with another. It is alleged that when the farmer went to retrieve his cattle he was told that two of them were missing. The man with whom they had been left said he did not know where the cows were.
The owner reported the matter to the Praedial Larceny Unit of the St Mary Police.
It is further reported that the police investigations revealed two of the four head of cattle had been sold and money collected for them. The other two were recovered.
Reports are that police went in search of the suspect, the man with whom the animals were left. Upon locating him, the police were reportedly met by boisterous family members who threw stones at them. One of the officers fired a shot in the air in order to disperse angry residents. They were then able to proceed with the arrest.
Police charged 63-year-old Paul Thomas with larceny and fraudulent conversion and 46-year-old Julian Taylor was charged for receiving stolen property. Both men are to appear in the Port Maria court on January 11, 2024.
The policemen who were involved in the incident were removed from front-line duties, pending investigations by IPROB and INDECOM.
