Mother wanted slain son away from force

BY KARYL WALKER Online news editor walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

WHEN Laurice Baker was informed by her son that he was about to take an entrance examination to join the police force, she secretly prayed that he failed the tests.

The grieving mother said that she had a great fear for his safety if her son realised his dream and became a cop.

On March 18 her worst fears were realised when her son, Constable Ainsroy Rushton, was killed by a crazed motorist who mowed him down on Manning's Hills Road in St Andrew.

"Mother always prayed that he would fail the tests. She had a fear of him entering the force," Baker said as she eulogised her son inside the Newlands Seventh-Day Adventist Church yesterday.

Rushton was mowed down as he attempted to prosecute a motorist for a traffic violation. The cop was dragged several metres and died in hospital hours after.

Police reported that the driver jumped into the motor car and attempted to drive away after he was informed that because his documents were not valid he would be charged and the vehicle seized.

The driver ended up dragging the cop for several yards before the vehicle crashed into a wall. Rushton was seriously injured and was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies where he died while being treated.

The driver was later arrested after he returned to the scene of the incident.

Security Minister Dwight Nelson paid tribute to the slain cop and in an effort to console Rushton's bereaved relatives dubbed the action of the motorist 'a senseless act' and urged them to find the strength to pick up the pieces.

Representative of the Police Federation, Sergeant Jackie Brown, urged members of the constabulary to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties and not allow the incident to make them bitter.

"Even though you are very hurt and very angry, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive as we are exemplary people. We in the Jamaica Constabulary Force," Brown said during a tribute to her fallen colleague.

Constable Rushton enlisted in the force in July 2006 and was assigned to the Mobile Reserve where he spent three years and six months. He was then transferred to the St Andrew North police division's operational support team.

Acting Deputy Superintendent in charge of administration at the St Andrew North division, Iver Calder, described Rushton as a motivator.

"This young man was destined for greater things in this organisation. He will be remembered by his colleagues as a motivator, a real vibes man," Calder said.

Rushton was planning to get married in December of this year.

His remains were interred at the Meadowrest Memorial Park in St Catherine.

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COMMENTS (4)

Doreen Pinnock
4/13/2010

I pray for us as family and close friends for God to continue giving us the strength to go on day after day. And thanks to the general public for the many prayers from both home and abroad. And to the Jamaica Observer, please stand to be corrected the persons in the pictures posted in the paper that of mom, Laurice Baker and Fiance' Simone Brown, not sister, his sister who was not in the picture her name is Stephanie Baker. Again thanks for all the prayers received. May Constable 12382 Ainsroy D. Rushton Soul Rest In Peace.

bayreuth lewis
4/12/2010

If the cop had discharged is fiearm in the process on this monster we would all be hearing the same lamentation from all those pro-criminals.Where is the outrage and blocking of road.? ... well this is what we get when we live in a one big dutty bungle country.

cape cod
4/12/2010

May God bless his soul...... I totally agree with u Jan m they need stiffer penalty

Jan M
4/12/2010

"Security Minister Dwight Nelson paid tribute to the slain cop and in an effort to console Rushton's bereaved relatives dubbed the action of the motorist 'a senseless act' and urged them to find the strength to pick up the pieces."
Mr. Nelson when will YOU find the strength introduce very tough laws in Jamaica for all levels of crime?
If their were tough laws for crimes don't you think this motorist would make sure his documents are all up to date? Don't you think he would think twice about taking off as if caught he would be punished real hard?
IT'S TIME TO REINSTATE LASHING (IN & OUT) FOR ALL LEVELS OF CRIME!!!!!
What happen to your DRACONIAN measures coming in MARCH?

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Mother wanted slain son away from force