I have to say how pleased and thankful I am to the police for their assistance on Easter Sunday.I was taking my daughter and grandchildren to a movie at MovieTown. Approaching the Maraval Parkway the traffic light signalled stop, and along with the rest of the traffic, I so did. Within 10 seconds of stopping, a vehicle crashed into the rear of my brand new car, giving us quite a jerk in our seats and frightening my grandchildren who were seated in the back seat and my daughter who was in the front.
Making sure they were fine, I came out to ask the driver who slammed into my car if he did not see the light was on red and the traffic had stopped. Sitting in his Audi holding his head I ordered him to come out and give me his insurance information. When he got out I observed the man was apparently so drunk he could barely stand up. With bloodshot eyes and slurred speech he started apologising and offering me money for the damages so he could carry on.
I said no and insisted on having his insurance information and his name. I said we are going to the station. At that time a mechanic I know stopped to make sure I was OK and he too, insisted that the man give his information to me. The man then gave his name but never reached for his insurance or gave any other information. At the same time a police car stopped on the other side of the highway and came across to investigate the situation. They asked if I was okay and if the children were OK and proceeded to question the man who began to defecate on himself.
The officers, PC Lawrence and PC Dyno, were from the Rapid Respond Unit. They handled the situation very professionally, were very caring and appreciative of the fact that I was shaken up and the children were scared. They put the other driver on a mat in the back seat of his car and one of the officers drove the Audi while the other escorted me to the St James police station.
I was totally moved by the care and concern they showed for us and even to the perpetrator of the accident. At the station my husband, who is an expat, was waiting there for me. He to was quite impressed with the service and care given to us by the officers on duty. PC Gibbs and a female officer, whose name I did not get, were also quite efficient in getting things organised for the drunk driver to do a breathalyser test.
She also assisted me dealing with a headache by getting me a painkiller and water. PC Gibbs was quite professional and efficient in having us taken care of so myself and the children could go home after this traumatising experience. These officers stand as model police officers. Please keep up the good work. I know your job is never easy but we do appreciate it when you do it so efficiently.The drunk driver was reading 1.12 on the breathalyser–way over the limit. He was arrested and had to face the judge. Thank God he did not kill anyone or himself.
Great job officers!
Jillian Ward,
Glencoe