(UPDATE) Regiment to probe Camp Ogden shooting, soldier detained

An alarming incident in which a soldier fired his assault rifle at Camp Ogden on Thursday night, sparking panic and concern among the ranks, will be investigated under military law.

Reports are that the private, who was on guard duty, assaulted a company sergeant major who was detaIning him for failing to comply with an order.

The private snatched his loaded Israeli-made Galil rifle and fired up to nine shots in the air as he ran towards the western end of the base of the First Infantry Battalion, on Long Circular Road, St James.

The incident took place shortly after 7.30 pm, sources said. Soldiers who were in their dormitories and other stations on the base were jolted by the sound of gunfire and went on full alert, according to regiment sources.

The private, Newsday understands, had been under stress for some time after a domestic incident involving another soldier, and had been the target of jokes and sneers from his colleagues. Sources said he "tripped off" when he was being detained.

Multiple sources confirmed a scuffle between a private and the senior officer, with blows being exchanged.

He was subsequently detained and the weapon seized. The base was immediately put on lockdown as a security measure.

A statement from the regiment on Friday confirmed the incident, but provided few details.

The release, issued by Capt Cleavon Dillon, the public relations officer of the regiment, said the soldier "was made to hand over his weapon and was subsequently placed under arrest in accordance with militarylegal procedures."

The statement said investigations were ongoing but added the regiment assured the public "that the highest standards of discipline amongst its serving members remain a hallmark of the military profession."

Soldiers say the incident is isolated.

The last incident involving soldiers which cast a stain on the Defence Force was an incident during the lockdown for the pandemic in which patrolling officers forced a homeless man to drink alcohol, do push-ups and run alongside a speeding police vehicle.

An undisclosed number of soldiers are also under investigation for their involvment in what police have described as a Ponzi scheme in which millions of dollars have been invested by suspected criminals and legitimate sources, and which offers unbelievable returns within weeks.