A BDF truck flipped on Christmas Eve near the Bocawina junction on the Southern Highway. Police were alerted at approximately 6:40 p.m. and arrived to find a black Hino military truck flipped onto its roof in a ditch
The truck was en route from Punta Gorda Town to Price Barracks in Ladyville after dropping off troops in Punta Gorda. The driver, 48-year-old Joseph Avila of Lords Bank Village, was accompanied by passenger Leo Briceno, a 32-year-old electrician also from Lords Bank.
Avila told officers that a motorcycle without lights suddenly entered his lane. In an attempt to avoid a collision, he swerved into the left lane and then back into his lane, but the vehicle veered onto loose gravel. Avila attempted to regain control and return to the highway, but the truck flipped into the ditch.
The truck was insured but police noted that the truck's license had expired in September 2023.
While speaking to Avila at the scene, police reported detecting a strong scent of alcohol on his breath. He was taken to the Dangriga Police Station, where officers requested a urine sample, which he refused. Avila was then transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where the police requested a blood sample. Avila again refused to comply. Dangriga Police formally arrested and charged him for the offence of "failed to provide specimen" and "drove without due care and attention."
