Man accused of shooting at policemen freed

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

A St Catherine man who was accused of shooting at a police party was freed in the Gun Court this morning following a successful no case submission.

He is 50-year-old labourer Dennis Lawson of Hartlands District in St Catherine.

The court heard testimonies from two policemen before dismissing the case.

Special Constables Ralston Simpson and Rayon Henry testified that on February 16, 2010 Lawson was seen driving a Toyota Camry motor car along Old Harbour Road.

The police say Lawson who was accompanied by three others was signalled to stop.

But they say he disobeyed, fired shots at the police and sped off.

They say a chase ensued and the vehicle crashed when it reached the Hopedale community in the parish.

Lawson was subsequently arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent.

But presiding Justice Lloyd Hibbert said the evidence presented by the policemen was woefully inadequate.

Attorney-at-Law Sean Kinghorn then asked the court to dismiss the charges against his client.

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