Kingston waterfront Labour Day police beating allegation under INDECOM probe

Curtis Wind says a Labour Day visit to the Kingston waterfront ended with him spending 10 days in hospital after police officers allegedly beat him during what he describes as a mistaken response to a reported abduction.

According to Wind, he and his girlfriend were at the waterfront when a member of the public misread a playful exchange between them and contacted the police. He said officers who came to the scene moved to arrest him before allowing him to explain.

Wind said one officer held on to his clothing and told him he was under arrest. When he asked why, he said he received no explanation. He recalled telling the officer, "Big man, let me go, brother," before another officer allegedly struck him in the face.

He alleges the situation escalated from there, with officers punching, kicking and beating him, including after he had been restrained. Wind said his girlfriend tried to tell the police they were a couple and that no kidnapping had occurred, but the alleged assault continued.

He further claimed that one officer took a large wooden baton from another officer and used it to hit him across several parts of his body, including his neck, chest, back, leg and ankle. Wind said he resisted going to the ground while the blows continued.

The allegations also include Wind's claim that he was struck again while being taken to hospital, despite already being injured. Medical documents reportedly show that he sustained a fractured knee, along with several bruises and abrasions.

Wind is now doing physiotherapy. He said the injuries have affected his ability to work as he normally would, and that he is still dealing with the emotional effects of the incident.

The matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations. An INDECOM official confirmed that a complaint was made and said only that the investigation remains active.