BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jul. 08.2018 – POLICE have confirmed that the male who died in yesterday accident on Wellington Road was seeking to evade them after attempts were made to pull him over.
Preliminary investigations by the law men revealed that 20-year-old Tau Johnson of Buckley’s Housing Project was riding a motorcycle when police officers on patrol attempted to stop him in the vicinity of College Street Ghaut.
Officers got out of their vehicle and signaled for Johnson to stop and he did not. They returned to their vehicle and chased after him, police said.
Police in a media statement said Johnson continued fleeing officers and, in the process, ran a red light at Baker’s Corner. At around 4:15 p.m. while driving along Wellington Road, Johnson attempted to maneuver between vehicles, lost control of the motor cycle and fell.
“He was transported to the J.N.F. Hospital via the Emergency Medical Service where he was later pronounced dead,” police added.
Police denied that their vehicle made contact with Johnson or his motorcycle.
“Investigations so far have also revealed that the police vehicle maintained some distance behind Johnson while in pursuit. At no point in time did the police vehicle come into contact with Johnson or the motorcycle he was riding.”
The matter is still under investigation by the Traffic Department; and police are appealing to persons who witnessed the incident to contact the Department to share any information they have with the police.
Police noted that an autopsy will be performed on the body of Johnson to determine the exact cause of death.
