Police believe that they have made a significant breakthrough in the June 29 armed robbery of a small bar in Soubise, St. Andrew.
The lawmen have arrested a Belmont, St. Patrick resident, Cherman Jack and laid a charge against him in connection with armed robbery with violence.
The 26-year-old farmer was apprehended by law enforcement officers at his home last week Wednesday, and slapped with two (2) indictable charges of Robbery with Violence last week Friday.
Jack was represented by American-trained Attorney-at-law, Jerry Edwin, when he appeared before Magistrate Nevlyn John for the first time at the Grenville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where bail was granted to him without objection from the Police Prosecution in the sum of $7, 000 with one (1) surety.
As part of his bail conditions, the suspect was ordered to report to the Hermitage Police Station every Monday and Friday between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
Information reaching THE NEW TODAY is that Jack is suspected to be one (1) of two (2) men, who armed themselves with a gun and a cutlass to attack the bar, which is owned by 64-year-old Rodney Thomas, who had only days before returned to the island after spending several months in the United States.
Monday’s court hearing revealed that the Bar owner was mugged over EC$4, 000.00 worth of items including a bag, gold chain, and $1, 850.00 cash.
It is understood that during the daring midday robbery, Thomas, was accompanied by another individual who the court identified as Romario Mc Donald who was also confronted by the men, and dispossessed of over $4, 000.00 worth of items including a gold chain, pendant, and a mobile phone.
The police are working on the theory that Jack was the driver of a motor vehicle that was seen speeding away from the scene of the robbery.
However, attorney Edwin told THE NEW TODAY that his client, who is a “virgin to the court,” and has no prior convictions “does not possess a driver’s license, or own a vehicle, and certainly he does not drive”.
“It is alleged that he (Jack) was in the company of other persons, and from what I see from the statements that the police are relying on, this is a charge against Mr. Jack of being with the wrong people at the wrong time, in the wrong place but he has no role in this alleged offense,” Attorney Edwin said.
During Monday’s hearing, the Police Prosecution team lead by Corporal Joseph Andall informed the female magistrate that they were not ready to proceed with the matter against Jack, as the incident is still under investigation.
However, Attorney Edwin, who spoke exclusively with THE NEW TODAY following Monday’s hearing expressed the view that the Police Prosecution has “no case that Mr. Jack was involved in the offense that occurred in Soubise.”
He expressed confidence that his client will “be exonerated from this charge brought against him.”
Jack is expected to reappear before the Grenville Magistrate’s Court for mention on July 29.