Jamaica Labour Party member detained for pointing gun at wife

Following claims that he brandished a gun at his wife, Arthur Lynch, the Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the Montego Bay South East (Rose Heights) Division in St James, was suspended by the party.

Lynch was detained and accused of illegal handgun possession and common law assault, according to the police's Corporate Communications Unit.

The alleged incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the couple's Rose Heights residence. Local media reported that the couple have been having marital issues in recent months, prompting Lynch to temporarily leave the family home.

On Tuesday, he reportedly returned to the residence to retrieve some of his clothes and other personal belongings when confronted by his wife. Lynch allegedly drew his legal weapon and pointed it at his wife. The incident was reported to the police, and Lynch was arrested and charged due to the inquiry.

The JLP announced that it was initiating an investigation into the situation and that the findings would be presented to the party's central executive.

"The Jamaica Labour Party secretariat advises that Arthur Lynch, councillor for the Montego Bay South East Division, has had his party membership suspended with immediate effect," the JLP stated.

Lynch is the second JLP politician to be involved in an assault allegation this year, which has resulted in a police investigation.

In April, George Wright, a member of Parliament from Central Westmoreland, was charged with assaulting his common-law wife at home in Chester Castle, Hanover.

Wright resigned from the JLP in June, despite having never been charged with a crime. As an independent member of Parliament, he has served in the House of Commons.