A 71-year-old pedestrian died on Friday evening after he was fatally struck by a car along the Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara Public Road.
Dead is James Augustus, a handyman of Lot 14 Second Street, Garden of Eden.
Augustus, who suffered serious head injuries, was later pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
Police spokesman (ag) Shivpersaud Bacchus yesterday confirmed the accident, which occurred around 10.30 pm.
He said the driver, who has been identified as a 26-year-old resident of Sarah Johanna, also on the East Bank, was taken into custody and is assisting with investigation.
After the accident, he was subjected to a breathalyser test but no trace of alcohol was found.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the police said the driver of the car PKK 6734 was proceeding north along the western carriageway of the road when Augustus allegedly ran into its path.
When Sunday Stabroek visited the scene yesterday, traffic ranks had returned to conduct further investigations. They were observed taking measurements.
Residents told this newspaper that Augustus, who hails from the North West District, took up residence in the area a number of years ago. They said he lived alone and did odd jobs around the area from time to time.
A neighbour, Durpatie Secomar, known as ‘Aunty Sista,’ explained that she last saw Augustus on Friday afternoon and he was drinking.
“From deh me been lay down in meh bed and meh hear he been talking, talking ’til me ain’t hear no talking anymore,” Secomar said.
“All wah me know is that me get one call that he get in accident out at the road and that they gone with he ah hospital, that he head buss,” she added.
About ten minutes later, she said she received a second call informing her that Augustus succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of the accident, Augustus was said to be in the company of a neighbour.
It is suspected that they were crossing the road in order to get transportation when the accident occurred.
