Man Found Dead in Drain After Suspected Hit-and-Run in Independence

The increased discussions of road safety and a look at the recent data on highway accidents were primarily prompted after five persons lost their lives in separate incidents.  The most recent occurred this morning in the south.  Police in Independence Village are probing into the circumstances that led to the death of a Hispanic man found in a drain at the entrance of the village.  The victim, who is yet to be identified, was found this morning at around nine thirty by a nearby resident.  According to the resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, she witnessed the victim being taken off a passenger bus yesterday evening around six o’clock.  In light of what transpired after, she says it is her belief that the man is a victim of a hit and run.

Resident of Independence Village: “The conductor that was dealing with him was not respectful, no kind of nothing. They took that man down for the bus and a man couldn’t even stand up. But the man never appeared, disorderly or nothing. They looked to run over the man when they took him of the bus and they just took off when I had to scream to tell them that they were about to run over the man. I went inside but around nine we heard a loud bang but we didn’t know and I feel that it’s then that he was hit. We found pieces of a vehicle like off of a bumper or something right near the man’s body there and we discovered him around 9:30 this morning and right now the police are on the scene processing the scene. He is of hispanic descent and he’s not from Independence Village. He was on the bus that was heading up to Dangriga side so he’s more than likely up in one of the villages.”

This afternoon, in the weekly Police Press Brief, ASP Stacy Smith provided preliminary information of the incident, saying that a mechanic from the village has since handed himself into the authorities as the driver involved.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “This investigation commenced around 10 o’clock a.m. today when the body of a male person who has yet to be identified was observed along the Big Creek road located in Independence Village. A male person has since come forward and shared with police that he was traveling in that general vicinity. However, whilst doing so, his vision was impaired due to the bright lights of an oncoming vehicle. He stated that he did hear something making an impact with his vehicle, but when he made checks he saw nothing. The investigation into this matter continues and as progress is made, that information will be shared.”

Our newsroom will provide further information on this case as it becomes available.