Spanish Town

The Spanish Town police said they are investigating an alleged case of kidnapping, in which a correctional officer attached to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, was taken captive.

Reports from the police are that no statement has been collected from the warder, who reportedly escaped his captors, as he was hospitalised following an asthma attack.

"We cannot give any official report on the matter as the alleged victim is unable to give a statement due to the nature of his illness," Detective Sergeant Paul Thomas said.

While not giving much details police sources told this newspaper, that the correctional officer, who lives in Lauriston, St. Catherine, was last seen by relatives on Saturday. He was later reported missing.

Relatives however, picked him up in the White Water Meadow community, just outside Spanish Town, on Monday about 8 a.m. with his personal belongings. He reportedly told relatives that he was kidnapped but managed to escape his captors. He was taken by police to the Spanish Town Hospital where he was admitted.

The police said that they are doing further investigations in the matter and awaiting a formal statement from the correctional officer to go deeper into the matter.

Attempts by THE STAR to get in touch with Commissioner of Correction Major Richard Reese, proved futile as his cellphone rang without an answer.

- R.T.