BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THERE seems to be conflicting accounts of what transpired in a Nevis traffic accident/robbery involving a Police Officer, a Defence Force soldier and a civilian.
According to a Police press statement, the incident occurred on Thursday (Jan. 12) at about 11:30p.m. in the Indian Castle area.
“Initial investigations revealed, that the patrol responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the Rawlins Village area. Upon arrival, the officers stopped and spoke to an individual who they later offered a lift home.”
The statement further infromed that,“The investigation also revealed that the after leaving the residence, and while driving in the Indian Castle area, the officers heard a noise on the roof of the pick-up truck and then saw the individual given the ride attempting to enter the cab of the vehicle. Investigations revealed that from the roof, the individual struck the officer in the face, and started to pull the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a parked excavator.”
The Police also indicated that subsequently, a report of robbery was filed – against the two officers – “by the individual who was taken to his residence”.
Contrary to that report, a different version was unearthed, leaving more unanswered questions.
Reports received by this publication indicate that the individual, who is said to be a fisherman, was asleep in his vehicle on a street in Rawlins Village when the two officers approached him.
It is also said that the fisherman was in a state of intoxication and the officers thought it best to confiscate his keys and offer to take him home.
Reports further indicate that he allegedly requested the officers to take him to the Gingerland Police Station, but they instead were taking him in the direction of Hanley’s Road.
Upon realising that the vehicle was not heading in the direction of the Police Station, he allegedly assaulted the driver and tugged at the steering wheel in an effort to cause the vehicle to be brought to a halt. It is said that it is during this tussle that the vehicle slammed into a parked excavator.
This publication also learnt that on the following day the fisherman, accompanied by his lawyer, visited a police station and lodged a report of robbery against the police officer and the soldier.
More on this controversial issue as information becomes available.
