Pipe-wielding man damages vehicles at Hordford’s Automotive

BASSETERRE, St, Kitts - A request made yesterday (Aug. 18) to purchase six vehicles reportedly escalated into an act of rage and vandalism when a pipe-wielding man damaged a number of vehicles at the S. L. Horsford’s Automotive Division.

When news of the incident broke, many questions were being asked about what could have pushed an individual to such a degree and even after some explanation was given, the questions remain.

Initial reports reaching SKNVibes indicated that the man, who according to reports, might have "taken leave of his senses", used the piece of pipe to smash a number of windscreens and back glasses of vehicles.

When contacted, Alexander St. Juste – General Manager of the S. L. Horsford's Automotive Division – recount the events which occurred over the two-day period.

He explained that the man indicated yesterday that he needed to purchase six vehicles; three pickup trucks and three SUVs. Having been given the price of the vehicles, he was told that he had to provide the cheque before the vehicles could be released for use on the road.

St. Juste said the man returned today to find out if the vehicles were ready and after being told that they were not, and after being reminded that payment needed to be made prior to release of the vehicles, the man became verbally abusive before leaving the establishment.

SKNVibes understands the man returned with a piece of pipe and inquired about the whereabouts of St. Juste, who had since moved to another part of the building.

It is reported that having not received an answer satisfactory to him, the man unleashed and began striking three vehicles in the showroom, two of which were damaged and one of which was not.

Having exited the building, the man turned his sights on the company’s stock yard where he struck several other vehicles but managed the damage two.

St. Juste said he understands that civilians were able to relieve the man of the piece of pipe at which point he began throwing stones as individuals.

SKNVibes understands that a group of civilians were able to apprehend the man and he was removed from the scene by members of the armed forces and taken into police custody.

The damaged vehicles had either their front windscreens or their back glasses busted out.

St. Juste told this publication that the company is in the process of quantifying the damage and it is also speaking with a security firm with a view to implementing security measures to ensure the safety and security of its employees.