Fatal RTA in Dangriga; Police Commander Served with NIP

Karl Tillett

Will senior police officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Santiago Patt be charged in connection with the death of a B.D.F. soldier in Dangriga? On Sunday afternoon, Gales Point resident and B.D.F. soldier Karl Tillett was traveling on a motorcycle when he collided with an SUV driven by ASP Patt.  Tillett sustained head injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but died while receiving treatment. The senior police officer has been served with a notice of intended prosecution, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Fitzroy Yearwood

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department

“There was a traffic accident that involved Assistant Superintendent of Police Patt. He was driving somewhere along George Price Drive in his personal vehicle accompanied by a sergeant of police when the victim in this accident, [who] was driving a motorbike, collided into the passenger side of Mister Patt’s vehicle, received head injuries, was transported to the Southern Regional {Hospital] where he succumbed to his injuries. Mister Patt has fully cooperated, has been served with a notice of intended prosecution and he voluntarily gave his urine and blood sample. That’s it as far as we have for now. I know that this morning, the officers will read what they have put together so far in regards to statements and we will see whether or not any charges or when charges will be levelled against Mister Patt.”

Duane Moody

“Sir, the officers were on duty?”

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood

“Well Duane, technically we are deemed to be on duty twenty-four hours. But like I mentioned, it was in his personal Chevy Trailblazer, and as a commander in a district, we must be on duty at all times. Official duty will be a difference.”

Duane Moody

“Is there anything to suggest that the officers may have been under the influence? That is a report that we are getting.”

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood

“I wouldn’t be able to answer that question because, like I explained, he gave urine and blood sample right away to the investigators. That would be sent to the lab and then we would know definitely whether that was a factor.”