Cops dive for cover as drunken driver crashes into road block

Jan 09, 2015 News

A number of policemen including Commander of Police ‘B’ Division Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph, had to use their skills to evade the vehicle of a drunken driver which crashed into a road block around 23:30 hrs on Wednesday.
The police were responding to a report of a home invasion by armed bandits at a No 62 village, Corentyne, Berbice residence (See related story on page 12).
A number of officers had descended in the area and were conducting patrols, stop and searches among other initiatives to apprehend the bandits.
A group of police including Commander Joseph, Officer In charge of Crime, Superintendent Terrance Paul and Assistant Superintendent Alanzo, were on the road at the No 63 beach entrance conducting stop and searches. A number of police vehicles with flashing lights were also stationed on the road.
To the horror of those present, sometime between 23:30 and 23:45 hrs vehicle number GNN 3084, driven by 58-year-old businessman Uraj Sourujbali of No 72 Village, Corentyne, came speeding along and despite the heavy police presence, in addition to the flashing lights and signals,  the driver ploughed through the road block and came to a halt by smashing into police car PSS 4458 which was parked at the side of the road.
Police constable Roy George who was sitting in the vehicle suffered minor injuries in the process and was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and sent away.
The police vehicle was severely damaged.
The driver when he emerged from the vehicle could hardly steady himself. He and his vehicle were detained.
He was tested and found to be way over the legal limit of alcohol consumption (175 micrograms).
He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $7,500.
More charges are likely.