Arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol on Sint Eustatius
Last weekend, the police arrested two drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol on Sint Eustatius.
On Monday, the 20th of July, at around 1:35 AM, a 34-year-old man with the initials W.C.R.R. was arrested on Charles A. Woodley Road. The suspect had been involved in a traffic accident. In accordance with the “botsen is blazen” policy, a breathalyzer test was administered. The test indicated that he had consumed more alcohol than the legal limit. His driving licence was confiscated.
On Sunday, the 19th of July, at around 10:20 PM, a 40-year-old woman with the initials V.C.C. was arrested on James S. Rhoda Road. A patrol signalled the driver to stop following a report of a person driving a vehicle while under the influence. The suspect ignored the stop signal and continued driving, resulting in a short pursuit. During the check, she displayed several signs of being under the influence of alcohol. She was taken to the police station. As she appeared to be heavily under the influence, a breath analysis could not be conducted, and she was unable to present any documents. All these circumstances will be included in the official police report.
All suspects were taken to the police station for the further handling of the applicable procedures. Official police reports will be filed against them.
Multiple arrests and scooters seized
During a traffic check on Sint Eustatius on Friday, the 17th of July, the rider of a scooter carrying two people, neither of whom was wearing a helmet, failed to comply with a police stop signal. Police pursued the scooter through several streets, during which the passenger jumped off. The passenger, a 19-year-old man with the initials J.K.L., was arrested at arround 12:30 PM because he was unable to present a valid form of identification. The 19-year-old rider later reported later to the police station. He was firmly reprimanded for failing to comply with the police stop signal, and the scooter was confiscated.
On Saturday, the 18th of July, at approximately 3:20 PM, a 20-year-old male scooter rider with the initials O.A.C.M. was arrested after failing to comply with a police stop signal. The man was riding on Sandy Road without a helmet or licence plate and fled when he saw the police. Near Mansion Road, police blocked his path. The suspect then struck the side mirror of the police vehicle, lost control of the scooter, crashed into bushes and fell. He was arrested for failing to comply with the police stop signal. It was later established that he did not have a valid driving licence. He was issued fines for several traffic violations. His scooter and a pair of brass knuckles found in his possession were confiscated.
On Saturday, the 18th of July, at arround 9:15 PM, a 24-year-old male scooter rider with the initials J.A.T. was arrested on Van Tonningenweg on Sint Eustatius. He was part of a group riding at high speed without helmets or lights. When police attempted to stop the group, all the riders fled. The suspect rode directly towards a police officer, who was forced to use pepperspray. Another patrol managed to stop the man further down the road. He was arrested for failing to comply with a police stop signal, and his scooter was confiscated.
Several fines issued during traffic checks on Sint Eustatius
Over the past weekend, police conducted traffic checks at several locations on Sint Eustatius.
During these checks, fines were issued for various traffic violations:
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three (3) for driving without having paid the road tax;
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one (1) for driving without a valid driving licence and failing to wear a helmet;
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two (2) for failing to wear a helmet;
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one (1) for being unable to present insurance documents;
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one (1) for driving without a driving licence;
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one (1) for failing to wear a seat belt.
In addition, two (2) scooters were confiscated.
KPCN reminds all road users to ensure that their required documents are valid and in order. Road users are also strongly urged to comply with the rules set out in the Traffic Ordinance. By doing so, they contribute to safer traffic on the island.
Police will continue to conduct regular traffic checks in the coming period. Strict action will be taken against road users who do not have the required documents in order or who fail to comply with traffic regulations.
Failure to comply with the rules may result in a fine. The fines for the violations mentioned above range from $30 to $225.
