The police yesterday obtained additional statements as they continue to investigate the February 8th accident which claimed the life of former national cyclist Jude Bentley, Commander of Region 4(A) Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas confirmed.
Thomas, when contacted for an update on the matter told Stabroek News that the police were in need of additional information which was obtained from Bentley’s father.
“We spoke to Mr Bentley because there was some more information that we needed,” Thomas said.
He said that the police are in the process of wrapping up their investigation after which a file will be sent for legal advice.
Thomas said that while he understands that the matter is one of public interest and concerns are being raised about the delay in charges, the police have to do their work.
Last week, Traffic Chief Linden Isles had told Stabroek News that the investigation is “almost” complete and the police are expected to seek legal advice during this week.
Bentley was struck while cycling along Clive Lloyd Drive by a vehicle driven by former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Gary Best.
Best, a retired Rear Admiral, was arrested on the morning of February 8th after the fatal accident.
The accident occurred at approximately 4.31 am on the northern side of the Russian Embassy as Bentley, 41, of Lot 33 Robb Street, Georgetown, was on his way to meet a group of cyclists for training. Best, who was driving an SUV, #PRR 8182, was proceeding in the same direction.
In a statement issued, the police, who did not name Best, but identified him as a 61-year-old resident of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, said he disclosed that he was proceeding east along the southern lane. He alleged that the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him and that he applied brakes and the right side of the front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.
After the impact, the vehicle dislodged a lamp pole on the southern side of the road.
The police had said that Bentley was pronounced dead at the accident scene.
An autopsy later revealed that Bentley died as a result of multiple injuries.
Best, who failed a breathalyser test, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday morning after he complained of feeling unwell. While there, he was under police guard.
Last Monday, Best was discharged from the hospital. Hours after he was placed on $100,000 station bail and his passport was lodged.
