Alleged sex offender of 13-y-o dies by suicide after leaping into Rio Cobre

The man seen in a viral video jumping from a police vehicle into the Rio Cobre has been identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, who took his own life while in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

Police reports say that the teenager, reported missing on November 3, at the Crofts Hill police station, was found at Smith's home following a tip. Cops then received initial information from the child that she was sexual abused by Smith.

Both were to be escorted to the Centre for Investigation of Sexual and Child Abuse (CISOCA) in Spanish Town.

Around 12:05 PM yesterday, Smith was handcuffed to a wheel inside a police vehicle while being transported to CISOCA. At Flat Bridge, in St Catherine he jumped from the vehicle into the Rio Cobre and drowned. His body was later recovered by authorities.

The Independent Commission of Investigation and the Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau have launched probes into the incident

- Rasbert Turner

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