Update (16 August):
The RCIPS has received multiple queries regarding the collection of a blood sample from the driver involved in the collision on Anton Bodden Drive on 8 August.
Following discussions with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the CI Health Services Authority, the Commissioner of Police has opened an internal investigation into the circumstances under which a sample of blood was not obtained from the driver for investigative purposes following the collision.
A review of section 86 (2) of the Traffic Act, which concerns the circumstances under which a specimen of blood or urine can be taken following a collision, is ongoing. In its current form this section does not address situations where a patient is unconscious or cannot give consent because of his/her condition. The RCIPS policy on testing of drivers following a collision is also being reviewed.
As such, no further comment on the matter will be made at this time. The investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
In addition, a third juvenile male was arrested earlier this week in relation to the excavator involved in the collision.
Update: 12 August
Following an investigation into the collision that took place on 8th August at Anton Bodden Drive involving an excavator and a black Chevy Tahoe, police discerned that a report was made in relation to persons interfering with the same heavy equipment the evening prior to this incident, which were safely stowed at a location in the Anton Bodden Road area by the owner. The equipment was further secured by the owner and it appears that on the morning of 8th August, the excavator was further interfered with and moved into the roadway causing a serious hazard.
Moments before the collision took place, a member of the public, who was traveling on Anton Bodden Drive, reported that the arm of an excavator was in the roadway, causing an obstruction. Within seconds of this call with 9-1-1 Communication Centre, the member of the public then further reported that a vehicle just crashed into the said excavator.
Following the incident police continued their investigation into the interference of the excavator. From these enquiries police had reason to suspect that juveniles residing in the Bodden Town area may have interfered with the excavator. Two male juveniles were arrested on suspicion of carrying out a reckless and negligent act having moved the excavator and placing the arm into the roadway. They were subsequently bailed pending further investigations.
Police continue to investigate this incident are appealing for any witnesses who may be aware of what took place to come forward. Anyone with information in encouraged to call the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777, or via our website.
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Shortly before 12:30AM today, 8 August, the 9-1-1 Communications Centre received a report that a CAT excavator was parked along the roadside on Anton Bodden Drive, Bodden Town, with the excavator arm extending into the roadway.
Shortly afterwards it was reported that a vehicle had collided with the excavator arm. Police, along with the Cayman Islands Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services, attended the location and observed the driver of the vehicle, who had sustained injuries to his head. The man, who is a senior politician, was transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which appear to be non-life-threatening. He remains in hospital at this time.
Police attended the hospital but were unable to conduct further inquiries as the driver was undergoing immediate medical care. A request for a sample of blood was made to the attending physician for investigative purposes. The matter remains under investigation.
Police are also investigating how the excavator arm came to be extending into the roadway at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information about the collision or the excavator is asked to contact the Traffic & Roads Policing Unit at 649-6254.
Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777, or via our website.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Cayman Crime Stoppers website or by downloading the Cayman Crime Stoppers app.