Three persons who assaulted the truck driver involved in the Agricola fatal accident in which seven-year-old Ciarra Benjamin was killed two Saturdays ago, have been identified but are yet to be apprehended.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that while the attackers have been positively identified, they are yet to be arrested by the police. However, when contacted for an update yesterday, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, told Stabroek News that the investigation is ongoing but declined to reveal if the attackers have been identified. “…Well that will be part of the investigation”, Chapman said, while noting, “….whether they have been identified or not, that I will not say.”
Benjamin, a Grade One student of the Canadian School of Arts and Science, died immediately after she was struck by the truck around 4 pm on June 1.
Following Benjamin’s death, some residents of the area launched an attack on the truck driver, Danion Leary Welcome and the vehicle was later set on fire.
Welcome sustained a fractured skull and severe injuries to his arm, back and neck, which were reportedly inflicted by vigilantes.
He was released on station bail during last week after his 72-hours detention period expired.
Following the attack, Commissioner of Police Leslie James has urged citizens to refrain from vigilante acts.
James, during a press conference at his office last Monday, told reporters that an incendiary device is suspected to have been hurled into the cabin of the truck after the accident. He said that all aspects of the case— that is the accident resulting in the death of Benjamin, the assault of the driver and the alleged arson of the truck— are being investigated. At the end of the investigation, James noted that those found culpable will be brought before the courts and charged.
Benjamin, this newspaper had reported, was attempting to cross the Agricola public road in the company of her aunt and babysitter, Simone Barry, when she was struck by the truck, which bore licence plate GWW 962.
According to some bystanders, the pair were standing on the median when the truck, which was travelling at a fast rate along the western carriageway of the road, swerved to avoid a car and hit Benjamin.
Others, however, suggested that the child had stepped onto the road but quickly ran back to the median after she saw the truck.
