By Latrishka Thomas
Police Officer Karim Warner will be required to present his defence after Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel denied his attorney’s motion to dismiss the case against him.
Warner is accused of firing multiple shots at an occupied vehicle just over two years ago.
The charges originate from a December 3, 2022 incident near Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies, where Warner allegedly discharged 12 shots at a white Toyota Mark X containing two occupants.
It is alleged that the confrontation began when Warner attempted to reclaim a leased vehicle, but the male occupant refused to return it. Physical evidence collected from the scene included bullet holes near a rear door handle and spent shell casings scattered around the vehicle.
Warner was originally charged with discharging a firearm in a public place and assaulting both vehicle occupants. He entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
However, in February prosecutors withdrew the assault charges. Additionally, the male complainant failed to appear for trial and submitted a formal statement indicating his unwillingness to continue with the proceedings.
Despite these developments, the court proceeded on the remaining charge of discharging a firearm in a public place with testimony from four witnesses, including the female complainant, a taxi driver, police officers, and additional witnesses.
After the prosecution closed its case, defence attorney Andrew O’Kola filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to support the charges and requesting the case be dismissed. The prosecution thereafter responded.
Magistrate Emanuel ultimately ruled in favour of continuing the proceedings, rejecting the defence’s arguments.
Warner is now scheduled to present his defence when the trial resumes on June 13.