And moving to Corozal, on Friday we told you about a road traffic incident in Concepcion where Ezekiel Bermudez was knocked down first by a cop and then his body was dragged along the road by another vehicle that came behind. He died on the scene and an eyewitness told our colleagues at CTV3 that he believes the driver was intoxicated since he saw Belikin bottles in one of the vehicles. Today we asked ASP Yearwood if alcohol indeed played a factor.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department
"He explained that while driving, he knocked down Ezekiel Bermudez, thirty-five year old Belizean, who was riding a bicycle on the highway. That person fell from the bicycle, he ran over the person with his Geo Prism car and a vehicle that was travelling behind him by Juan Rivas, a custom broker, that vehicle also ran over Mr. Bermudez' body while he was on the ground. As a matter of that the second vehicle dragged the body for about thirty feet. So he was transported to the Corozal Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. NIP has been served on both drivers, and the investigators are still trying to determine who and when the person or persons will be charged. We know that they were both cooperative with the police. Because of the damages to the Geo Prizm, it took a while for us to clear the scene, but I have been informed that both vehicles have been impounded for inspection by a motor vehicle inspector and we will wait and see who will be charged for it."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"An eyewitness on the scene says, his impression was that the officer was under the influence of alcohol. It was alleged, he was seen urinating behind his vehicle right in the aftermath of the accident, and that beer pints were in the vehicle, that sort of thing, indicative of perhaps alcohol consumption. Is this something you all are apprised of?"
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"I am certain that the investigators have received this information and that is why I am saying that it was not in his best interest for not providing a specimen that night and that night and of course if alcohol is determined to be a factor, then you know that charges will be levied on him for that consumption of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. It is sad that a life has been lost, but at the same time at the police department we do not tolerate this sort of behavior by anyone, especially our officers who are here to preserve life and property."
