By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterONE OF two policemen who attempted to stop a speeding motorist along the Mandela Highway, St. Catherine, was mowed down yesterday afternoon.
His colleague who ran on to the soft shoulder of the busy thoroughfare escaped unhurt.
Dead is 28-year-old Constable Garfield Frater, formerly of the Highway Patrol. He had enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on April 1, 1996.
"He was one of our hardworking officers, very courteous and humble," said Senior Superinten-dent Elan Powell, who is head of the Police Traffic Division.
"Constable Frater was with me at the Marine Division and was transferred to Highway Patrol because they had wanted some drivers," he said.
CONDUCTING TRAFFIC DUTIES
Reports are that Constable Frater and a colleague were conducting traffic enforcement duties in the vicinity of the crossing leading to the Caymanas Golf Club. The lawmen reportedly pointed a radar gun on two motor cars that were travelling at 130 kilometres per hour. The legal speed in that zone is 80 kilometres per hour.
The two constables reportedly stepped out into the two lanes and signalled the drivers to stop. However, the driver of a green Hyundai motor car was unable to do so, ploughing into the constable. The car was reportedly driven by a security consultant who proceeded to the Spanish Town Police Station where he turned himself in.
"He will be charged this evening with manslaughter," said SSP Powell.
A resident of Bog Walk, St. Catherine, Constable Frater has left behind a trail of tears. The news of his death shook the hearts of many of his colleagues, some of whom wept openly.
Between January 1 and June 29, 157 persons were killed in 140 fatal accidents islandwide. For the corresponding period last year, 181 persons died in 162 fatal accidents.
