And from the smoking hills of the Hummingbird Highway to a tragic accident on the Philip Goldson… a cop of 25 years lost his life after the vehicle he was travelling to work in collided with another. And while ASP Fernando Neal was fighting for his life, the driver of the other vehicle, who was in the wrong lane, drove off, leaving two injured policemen to fend for themselves.
And now both Neal's personal and professional family are reeling from this loss. CTV3 visited his home in San Joaquin, and Courtney Menzies has the story.
A career policeman with over two decades in the department lost his life on Saturday night while he was on his way to work. 45-year-old ASP Fernando Neal had been carpooling with another officer when - at the entrance of Concepcion village - they collided into a pickup truck that had drifted into their lane.
ASP Neal was trapped inside the vehicle and later passed away, while the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene.
The officer was on the nightshift and had spent his final day with his family in Corozal. He left for work that night, not knowing a slight change in his routine would cost his life.
Ivette Chan, Sister of Deceased
"He always took the bus to go to work, his wife usually takes him to catch the bus, but that day he got a drop and he went with the young man, that's when the accident happen."
"We got to find out because my in laws told me. And it was very hard and painful because he was very healthy and all of a sudden this happen, so it's very hard for us."
And after 25 years in service, it had become a norm for him to assist people in any way he could, as his other sister explained.
Marvea Larra, Sister of Deceased
"We never had any problems with him, he was very calm. He wasn't sad or had problems or anything. You could have seen him and you would think he never had problems, he always tried to help people, when someone needs any help, people used to come look for him, saying, I need help. And he would ask, what can I do for you? And since he was police he explained it to them, the process. Even if he was in Belize and he used to help people from here when they asked. He has been a good son, uncle, and that's all I got to say about him, we have good memories of him."
And those in the police department also have fond memories of him as their fellow officer.
Reporter:
"Had you interacted with Assistant Superintendent Neal at any time in your career?"
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"Yes, on more than one occasion because, as you know, we get deployed and re-deployed on various missions. A rather unique officer, very pleasant. I don't believe that anyone who has met him could tell you anything to the contrary. He took his career very seriously, and he was one of the officers who wanted to see the department move in certain directions when it comes to investigations and technology. And he will sadly be missed by his colleagues at Precinct 1."
And now they've begun their investigation - one which may result in serious charges since the driver of the pickup truck had failed to render aid to ASP Neal.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood - Director of Communications, ComPol's Office
"We know that the occupants of that pickup were 2 males. Those persons made good their escape from the scene, and Mr. Neal was trapped in the car that they were traveling in. He was later transported to the hospital in Corozal, where he was pronounced dead."
"We believe that - and anybody in their normal senses would know that if you were involved in an accident if you could render assistance, you might be able to save that person's life. So, the moment you fled the scene of an accident, you lessen the chance or chances of that person getting immediate attention that could be life-changing."
The other officer involved in the incident, 22-year-old PC Didier Clavel, was admitted to the hospital in a stable condition. Police are currently searching for a person of interest that they believe could be of assistance. Meanwhile, another person has been questioned and is under investigation.
Neal leaves behind a wife and a 21-year-old son.
