WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Reacting to the death of 21-year-old constable Tajay Ebanks, who crashed into a cow along the New Hope Main Road on Sunday night, animal owners who leave them carelessly to roam the streets can expect pressure from the police.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in charge of operations for the Westmoreland Police Division, Adrian Hamilton, said there are “serious concerns with cows roaming the thoroughfare” and says the police will be “taking this matter seriously and bringing those animals owners to the books when it comes on to ensuring that they take control of their animals which are causing great loss of lives within that area.”

Constable Ebanks was assigned to the Traffic department at the Savanna-La-Mar police station, in Westmoreland.

Reports are that 8:35 pm, Ebanks was travelling on his service motorcycle while on duty towards Little London in the parish, when upon reaching a section of the roadway; he collided with a cow that walked from the left embankment into his path.

Constable Ebanks was flung from the motorcycle and sustained multiple injuries. He was assisted to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

READ: Cop dies after crashing into cow in Westmoreland

In light of Ebanks death, DSP Hamilton, told OBSERVER ONLINE that the staff is devastated at this time.

“The staff is shaken at this unfortunate incident. Ebanks was an endearing individual who galvanized people. Ebanks was a very promising constable who was quiet and was always willing to go the extra mile. He was disciplined in his conduct and [attire] and he will be surely missed,” DSP Hamilton said.

“I want to extend our appreciation to the family as well as our condolences. We know they are going through a difficult time. We stand ready and we have engaged the necessary protocols to provide support to the family as well as staff members. He gave Jamaica quality service whilst he served,” DSP Hamilton added.

– Kimberley Peddie