So, while those officers from the rank and file must explain to their superiors why fingers are being pointed in their direction, a senior cop has been issued with a notice of intended prosecution after he allegedly slammed into a civilian's parked vehicle over the weekend and fled the scene.
That officer is Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, the commander of the Eastern Division Region 1, which was formerly known as Eastern Division South.
Sheraine Mas, a resident of Belize City, reported to police that on Saturday night at around 10 p.m., she parked her black Wingle pick-up truck in front of Herbal Life on the far left-hand side of the George Price Highway, facing Belmopan City. She was attending a Christmas party, when she and others heard the loud bang of a traffic accident.
When attendees of the party went out investigate what happened, they realized that someone slammed into her vehicle and damaged its front portion. They spotted a black Hilux driving away; its driver was fleeing the scene, after the collision. 2 concerned persons followed the Hilux all the way to a house in Ontario Village, and when it stopped, the person who jumped out was Howell Gillett.
Those persons confronted Gillett, who told them that his insurance company would cover the damages. They alleged that he appeared to be under the influence, and today, Acting Police Commissioner Chester Williams discussed the case, and explained that all the necessary formalities, including the procurement of a urine sample from Gillett, was done:
Chester Williams
"Miss Shermaine Moss reported to police that she had parked her Wingle on the side of the highway within the village of Camalote, while they socialize at an event nearby. When a loud bang was heard, they went and made check and saw that the front portion of the Wingle had been damaged and at the same time they observed a black Hilux going up the highway. The Hilux was followed by two individuals who were at the social gathering and it took them to the home of Mr. Howell Gillett. Reaching the home, Mr. Gillett alighted the vehicle. They spoke with him and he informed them that his vehicle was insured comprehensive and that the insurance would take care of the matter. The information was brought to my attention and I directed the police to ensure that all the formalities in respect of a traffic accident are complied with. That was done, in other words Mr. Gillett gave a urine sample and he was also issued with notice of intended prosecution in respect of the accident and the matter is currently being investigated."
"The complainant in the matter have said that she is only interested in having the matter resolved. Mr. Gillett have since gone to the insurance company and have accepted liability of that accident and so we anticipate that the matter will work its way out through the insurance company."
The account we have gotten of the extraction of the urine sample differs from the one Williams gave in his very deliberate account. We know that senior officers had to be called to Gillett's home to address the issue. We'll wait and see what the test result says.
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