Portland man who tried to overpower officers slapped with more charges

PORTLAND, Jamaica — A man who tried to escape police custody Saturday after leading officers to the location where he surrendered his gun faces multiple charges in addition to previous charges.

Farmer Winston Ward, also known as ‘Wardie’, 58, of Portland’s Manchioneal Long Road, is charged with possession of an imitation firearm, escaping from custody, assaulting a police officer and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Ward was previously held in custody for possession of a prohibited weapon and common law assault.

At around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Ward reportedly informed officers that he wanted to surrender the firearm he had used in a previous incident, claiming it was an imitation firearm. Police then escorted him to an area in his yard, where he retrieved a fake firearm and handed it over to officers.

Ward then allegedly pushed an officer and attempted to flee the area on foot. He was later arrested, detained again, and formally charged with additional crimes.

A court date is currently being set.