Linstead taxi operator charged for machete attack on fellow driver granted $1 million bail

A St Catherine taxi operator charged for attacking a fellow cabbie, whom he accused of constantly “bad driving" him, with a machete and chopping him several times, was on Friday granted $1 million with surety in the parish court.

The accused, Roger Johnson, is charged with wounding with intent.

In applying for bail, his attorney, Donald Bryan, argued that his client surrendered to the police, is not a flight risk, would show up for court, and has an alternative address.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle highlighted the severity of the allegations.

“He went into his car, pulled the machete, [and] chopped the complainant, who ran. He chased him [and] chopped [him] in the back of [the] neck That shows intent."

Bail was subsequently granted on condition that he has no contact with the complainant, relocates and does not visit Linstead.

Further, Johnson was ordered to be fingerprinted, report to the Spanish Town police three times weekly and return to court on March 3.

Allegations are that on December 1,2025, Johnson was driving along King Street in Linstead, St Catherine when there was a collision between him and the complainant.

He allegedly existed his taxi and attacked the complainant with a machete.

The complainant suffered several severe wounds over his body from the attack and was hospitalised for his injuries.

A report was made to the Linstead police and an investigation resulted in Johnson's arrest.

He was charged with wounding with intent.

- Rasbert Turner

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