BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 04.2018 – COMMISSIONER of Police, Ian Queeley has confirmed that the file for the case involving Tau Johnson’s death is currently before the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for recommendations.
Johnson, 20, died, while fleeing from officers who tried to pull him over after he appeared suspicious.
Police in a recent statement to the media on the incident said their [preliminary investigations had revealed that 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 gave chase.
Police also said that Johnson continued fleeing officers and, in the process, ran a red light at Baker’s Corner. Around 4:15 p.m. on July 07, 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.
That story was instantly refuted by many in the public’s domain, with a concern group even taking to the streets in silent protests.
In updating the media on the latest with regards to the investigations into that incident, CoP Queeley explained that the police had first submitted the file to the DPP for advice, and he returned with recommendations and the force is expected to go ahead with its second submission.
“I can say to you that the investigation into the Tau Johnson’s case is well advanced. The file was submitted to the learned Director of Public Prosecution before, who returned with some advice. That advice was acted upon and the file is now back with the learned Director of Public Prosecutions, so we are awaiting further advice,” said Queeley.
That means that police are awaiting the recommendation from the DPP on whether or not charges should be laid against the officers that were driving the vehicle that chased after the young man.
The incident has caused national outcries from all sections, as many questioned the nature of the incident, and the way the Emergency Medical Services handled the young man.
Health officials, shortly after the incident, undertook to have refresher training with all EMS personnel under their purview.
