CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - SEVERAL days after Florence Ella Merchant died due to injuries sustained in an accident, police have slapped several charges against one of their own, who is suspected of being involved in the hit-and-run incident.
Police reported that on the morning of July 15, officers of their Nevis Division received reports of a “hit-and-run traffic incident in the New River area”.
Upon further inquiries, it was reported that Merchant of Hickmans Village had sustained injuries from an apparent hit-and-run incident and was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital, where she subsequently died on July 17.
Following the announcement of the incident, police reported that one person was in custody assisting them with their investigations. It was also reported that the person was an officer of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, which was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police.
“As Commissioner of Police, I wish to address the recent incident involving a policeofficer suspected of hitting a pedestrian and failing to remain at the scene. I want to assure the public that this matter will be thoroughly investigated, leaving no stoneunturned. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability, and anyonefound responsible will face appropriate charges.
“We ask, however, for persons who have any information that will assist the investigationto come forward and speak to investigators - we cannot solve this case without your assistance. Again, I appeal to any person who has information to come forwardandspeak to the Police. The Police Force takes this incident very seriously, and we arecommitted to maintaining transparency while we pursue justice. Our thoughts are withthe victim and her family, and we will do everything in our power to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” the Commissioner said in a media statement.
Now, the Police Force’s Public Relations Department has informed that one of the Force’s members, Brent Edwards, was arrested at the Cotton Ground Police Station on July 17 and charged for Failing to Immediately stop at the scene of an accident, and it is further intended for him to also be charged with the offence of the Dangerous Driving.
