W.C.D. accident leaves pedestrian dead, army officer in custody

Jun 19, 2018 News

– unlicensed gun, ammo found on victim

Thirty-five year-old Roopchand Ramkellawan of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was fatally struck down on the De Willem Public Road, West Coast Demerara, around 22:20 hrs on Sunday. The vehicle was reportedly driven by a 28-year-old Guyana Defence Force (Coast Guard) Officer.
Ramkellawan, who is the younger brother of Chutney Singer Mahendra Ramkellawan, had just left the Sharmilla Sports Bar in De Willem Village, on the West Coast of Demerara, when he was hit by PWW 5680, a Red Nissan X-Trail.

Dead: Roopchand Ramkellawan

The .32 pistol and ammunition said to have been found on the victim. (Guyana Police Force photo)

Witnesses claim seeing Ramkellawan leaving the Sports Bar, after which there was the sound of a loud impact. Patrons of the Bar went to the aid of Ramkellawan, only to find him in an unconscious state.
Ramkellawan was crossing from the southern side of the road to the northern side, when the vehicle, which was heading in an easterly direction on the De Willem Public Road, came into contact with him. A badly injured Ramkellawan was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a twist of events, while Ramkellawan was being examined by medical staff of the Hospital, a .32, unlicensed pistol with four live rounds was said to have been found on him.
Police in a statement said, “The driver is in custody assisting with the investigation; a breathalyzer test revealed that his breath alcohol level was above the legal limit.”

The vehicle that was being driven by the Army Officer at the time of the accident. (Guyana Police Force photo)

The Guyana Defence Force also issued a statement saying, “Lieutenant (Coast Guard) Eson Trim is currently assisting the police with their investigations into an alleged fatal accident which resulted in the death of Roopchand Ramkellowan, male age 35, which occurred on the De Willem Public Road, West Coast Demerara.”
The Chief of Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force regret this unfortunate incident and extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
In photos provided by the Guyana Police Force, there can be seen Trim’s heavily tinted X-Trail and the .32 Pistol and ammunition that was said to have been found on the victim.