Man accused of robbing cop to stand trial

A man who allegedly robbed a woman sergeant of police at knifepoint in downtown Kingston last year had his case set for trial yesterday when he appeared the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

The accused, Rohan Murray, allegedly held up and robbed the cop on August 25, and then ran from the scene. However, he came face-to-face with her days later after he was taken to the police station accused of committing a robbery in St Andrew. Murray maintained his not-guilty plea when he appeared in court yesterday.

The allegations are that on August 25, about 12:25 p.m., the cop was conducting business when she felt someone hold on to her right arm. The court heard that Murray said "Woman, don't move!" This command was allegedly repeated twice. The cop, who was dressed in civilian clothes, noticed a young man, who was not wearing a mask, holding on to her. He allegedly brandished a knife and pointed it at her chest. The court heard that the complainant began to wrestle with the alleged robber. It is alleged that Murray twisted the cop's right arm with his left hand, until the bracelet she was wearing burst, causing him to take it. It was further disclosed in court that the cop managed to pull her firearm, which she pointed at Murray who allegedly dipped his head and escaped in the crowd.

However, on November 13, while on station duty, the complainant was able to point out Murray when he was arrested for another robbery in Half-Way Tree. On that day, police on traffic duty along North Odeon Avenue were alerted by citizens of two suspects who had just stolen a woman's gold chain and were said to be on board a Coaster bus. The woman was able to identify Murray as the robber. Murray, who has a 2019 conviction for simple larceny, is currently behind bars for shooting with intent, murder, and larceny. He is return to court on March 23.