Police confirm Gopaul, Loncke reach settlement
– Gopaul also passed breathalyzer test
THE police said, on Wednesday, they have investigated the road accident involving motor vehicles PLL 6180, driven by Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Mr. Nanda Gopaul and PHH 8194, owned by Mr. Colin Loncke, of Stanley Place, Kitty, which occurred about 20:30 hrs last Friday, on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. According to a release from the police, investigations revealed that Gopaul was proceeding East along the northern side of the roadway and collided with the rear of the other vehicle, which was parked on the northern side of the road, in the vicinity of the Guyana Legion Building.
The release said the collision resulted in injuries to Mrs. Jennifer Loncke, who was in the process of entering PHH 8194 and Dwayne Blair, of Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown who was seated in it and damage to both vehicles.
The release said, upon the police arrival on the scene, it was found that the woman had already left for a hospital and her husband informed that he was about to go and check on her condition. He indicated that he would return to assist with the investigations and he was allowed to leave.
The release said, in the view of the investigating ranks, Gopaul was not under the influence of alcohol and was permitted to drive his vehicle to Brickdam Police Station, escorted by a rank, who was in it with him.
The police said, at Brickdam Station, Gopaul was subjected to a breathalyser test administered by an inspector and it proved negative.
He was then questioned further about the accident and released on his own recognizance, to return to the station the following day.
The police said, later that evening, the man Loncke reported to Brickdam and, after giving information on the accident, he also was allowed to depart to return the following day, as well.
The release said, the next day, the police were informed, by both Colin Loncke and Gopaul that they had agreed to a settlement and Loncke gave a written statement, in which he requested no further police action in the matter. (Michel Outridge)