A $10,000 reward led to the capture of a driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in which a 20-year-old San Fernando man was killed ten days ago. The 32-year-old man, a taxi driver, was arrested at his Lalbeharry Trace Extension, Debe, home early yesterday morning. The car was found at his father's house at Katwaroo Trace, Penal. It was on December 21, around 10.30 pm that Daniel Maharaj was struck while crossing SS Erin Road, Debe, near South Importers Ltd. Maharaj, who was pitched several feet away, died on the spot. The driver of the gold-coloured 280C never stopped.
Maharaj, of Newbold Street, Mon Repos, was going to meet his father, Allan, who works at South Importers Ltd. Crime Watch president Ian Alleyne offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who knew the whereabouts of the driver or the car, on his television programme on Monday night. In about seven hours, the crime was solved, said Alleyne. The information was then passed on to the police. "The individual can collect his reward anytime," he said.
Maharaj's father, Allan, thanked Crime Watch and the police for their assistance. "I feel like part of my burden gone now, knowing that my son could rest in peace, he said. "I leave it in the hands of the Lord and the law now. But, I believe justice will be done." However, police said further inquires must be done before charges could be laid. Charges would include causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and render aid and failing to report an accident, police said. Debe police are investigating.
