By Leroy Smith

POLICE Traffic Chief Dion Moore was, up to late last evening, hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being involved in an early morning car crash at Providence, East Bank Demerara.Moore and 25-year-old Adrian Edwards of John Street, Lodge were reportedly the only occupants of PRR 6099, a black Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV heading north along the western carriageway of the East Bank Demerara highway at approximately 01.30hrs on Saturday when, in the vicinity of the Macorp Building, Edwards lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into a utility pole which separates the western and eastern carriageways.

The Traffic Chief was reportedly knocked unconscious following the accident, and police ranks hearing of the accident swooped on the scene and rushed Moore to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the High Dependency Unit. His condition was being monitored by doctors and other health workers up to press time.

Restrictions were placed on the persons who were allowed to visit him, as they were asked to allow the police officer to rest. Hospital sources, however, confirmed that the senior cop was alert, responding to treatment, and was able to speak.

Superintendent Dion Moore has been serving the Guyana Police Force for several years, and has had extensive stints in the Traffic Department of the Force at various levels and locations, before being elevated to Traffic Chief. He also served as the Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division.

Edwards was treated for his injuries but was not hospitalized. Taken into police custody, he told police that he was driving at a normal rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the utility pole.

Edwards had an elevated alcohol level test conducted on him after he was taken into custody, but that proved he was not above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Additionally it was reported to this publication that the young man did not display any physical signs of being under the influence, such as staggering or having a hard time communicating with police ranks. Investigations into this accident are ongoing.

Moore’s accident comes exactly one month after the car of Assistant Police Commissioner Balram Persaud slammed into a utility pole on the West Bank, Demerara. Hospitalized following that accident, Persaud subsequently died.

Over the last three years, there have been serious accidents involving senior members of the Guyana Police. Former Police Commissioner Henry Greene, Former ‘A’ Division Commander Derrick Josiah, and Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud have all succumbed to injuries they had sustained in road accidents.