The Policeman who was behind the steering wheel of the Police vehicle that was involved in a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of two youths, will face charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has advised that Police Officer, Lawrence Carmichael face the charges for the 2nd February accident which left Christopher Bhagwandat and Sheereda Persaud dead.
The DPP has also asked for further investigations to be conducted in the matter and for the file to be returned for additional advice by the 7th March. It is possible that the DPP is seeking to institute additional charges in the matter.
The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Mahaica bridge.
During its initial report on the accident, the Police claimed that the car which was being driven by 21-year-old mechanic Christopher Bhagwandat had avoided a Police roadblock and was pursued by a police patrol vehicle.
During the chase which was captured on surveillance video in the area, the two vehicles could be seen driving at a fast rate. As the car approached the Mahaica bridge, eyewitnesses said the Police vehicle increased its speed and might have jammed the back of the car, sending it into the path of a truck in the opposite lane. The Police vehicle also slammed into the truck.
The 21-year-old mechanic and his 16-year-old girlfriend both died on the spot. There were other persons in at least one other vehicle who were hospitalized with serious injuries as a result of the multi-vehicular smash-up.
Following the accident, family members of the two youths cried out for justice, saying that they are convinced that the Police caused the accident and should face charges.
The Guyana Police Force launched a full investigation and the findings were submitted to the DPP for advice.
The DPP has indicated that the charge of causing death by dangerous driving is an indictable charge.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login