​By Zaya Williams

A man, Malcom Abbott, has been slapped with a $27,000 fine after discharging a firearm in a public place.

The incident took place during the early morning hours near the Central Board of Health parking lot on Joseph Lane, where a Sound Clash event was underway.

Responding to reports of gunfire, officers found Abbott and Adrian Matthew walking toward the back of a derelict pickup truck.

Abbott was observed passing an object to Matthew, who placed it in the vehicle. The officers approached, identified themselves, and informed the individuals of their observation. A search of their persons yielded nothing of interest.

Upon taking the defendants to the back of the vehicle, officers discovered a black pistol, identified as a .380 Ruger, containing a magazine with one round and another in the chamber.

Both men were arrested and faced charges of weapon and ammunition possession, with Abbott additionally charged for discharging the firearm.

Abbott claims that he found the gun in a bar bathroom. Magistrate Conliffe Clarke reprimanded and discharged the ammunition charge.

Matthew was sentenced to pay a $3,500 fine for brief possession of the gun. Abbott received fines of $12,000 for gun possession and $15,000 for discharging it.