BREAKING NEWS: Suspect in custody in connection with Gros Islet road fatality

Photo of the alleged hit-and-run suspect.

A male suspect is in police custody in connection with the fatal hit-and-run accident at Gros Islet yesterday (June 7, 2017), according to law enforcement officials.

The victim, identified as former police officer Joseph Altidore, aka ‘Mr. Cyril’ and ‘Alty’, died at Victoria Hospital.

The suspect, who is reportedly from Monier, Gros Islet, was arrested yesterday.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. near the Gros Islet Fire Station and the Bank of St. Lucia.

Eyewitnesses told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Altidore, who reportedly operates a taxi and is believed to be in his 70’s, was struck by the motorcycle while he was crossing the road. He had reportedly just exited the bank.

A statement received by SNO reads (some parts have been edited for spelling errors and other info omitted for legal reasons):

“A black (motorcycle) hit an old man who came from Bank of St. Lucia 9:14 a.m.

“A vehicle stop to allow him to cross and the bike was overtaking in “centre lane” and pick the old man and throw him in the air.

“The biker managed to keep his balance on the bike, swerve past the man, hit (graze) a car (2008 Mazda Axela) and drive off.

“The bike was described as been all black but it may have strike of red on it.

“The rider is tall and dark, round face. He is biggish. He was wearing a black shirt at the time. Happened by the Gros Islet Fire Station.”

Altidore was transported to hospital via ambulance in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries in the afternoon.