A case of mistaken identity in Bounty Hall, Trelawny on Sunday night, led to fatal shooting of a man and the injuring of a policeman, both of whom mistook each other for a rapist.

Police say the man, identified as Rupert Lewis, 44, from Bounty Hall, had gone in search of a suspected rapist and unwittingly chopped the policeman in the head, and was shot. the policeman was not identified. The Bureau of Special Investigations has been called in to probe the matter

Suspected rapist

The CCN's Liaison Officer for Trelawny reported that about 9:45 p.m., Lewis went in search of a suspected rapist who was said to be hiding at a house in the community. The policeman was informed and he also went to the premises. Upon entering the house the lawman was chopped by Lewis who mistook him for the rapist.

The policeman, who also thought his attacker was the rapist, pulled his firearm and opened fire hitting Lewis. The injured men were taken to hospital where Lewis was pronounced dead and the policeman admitted in stable condition.