The trial of police officer Karim Warner who’s accused of firing multiple shots at an occupied vehicle began on Monday after a delay of more than a year.
The case surrounds events from December 3, 2023 when Warner allegedly fired 12 shots at a white Toyota Mark X containing two occupants near Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies.
Police reports indicate the incident originated from a dispute over a leased vehicle, with Warner allegedly attempting to reclaim a vehicle after the male occupant refused to return it.
According to reports, evidence collected at the scene included bullet holes near one of the rear door handles and spent shell casings around the vehicle.
Warner was initially charged with discharging a firearm in a public place and assaulting both occupants, to which he entered not guilty pleas.
However, during Monday’s proceedings before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, the prosecution withdrew the assault charges.
While the male occupant of the vehicle did not appear for the trial and submitted a statement of his unwillingness to proceed, the court heard testimony from four witnesses including the female complainant, a taxi driver and two police officers.
The trial will resume on March 8 with five additional witnesses scheduled to testify.
