Drunken cops suspended

By Ilia L. Likou 08 June 2017, 12:00AM

Two Police Constables involved in a crash at Eva last Sunday while driving a Police vehicle were under the influence of alcohol.

This was confirmed by Police Spokesperson, Su’a Tiumalu to the Samoa Observer yesterday.

Both men have been suspended and charged. 

 “The driver of the police car will appear before Court on the 20th of this month,” said Su’a. “I can confirm that the pair were under the influence of alcohol.”

Su’a did not rule out further charges.

“What I can say is that the investigation is continuing and other charges are possible. They were tested for the amount of alcohol (in the system) and they were over the limit.”

Su’a added that such behaviour is unacceptable and the Police take this issue very seriously. 

Speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. The left front tyre of the vehicle flew off when it crashed into the concrete safety blocks of the ford.

An eyewitness who had asked to be kept anonymous said the Police should lead by example.

He told the Samoa Observer the incident could have been deadly.

He said the smell of alcohol was “extremely strong” in the vehicle and driver looked like he was not all there.

 “He seemed confused, walking up and down the street, as onlookers took photos and videos on their cellphones.”

In a short video clip, the Police officer can be seen standing next to the vehicle with his uniform unbuttoned. He lit a smoke, walked up and down the road looking dazed and confused.

Villagers who arrived at the scene immediately could be seen sniffing a water bottle and shaking their heads in disbelief at the smell of alcohol.

 

Double tragedy at Savai’i

In another matter also involving drunk driving, a 42-year-old man from the villages of Iva and Neiafu Savai’i will appear before Court in relation to a fatal crash at Iva last week.

Sinei Aunei is facing charges of negligent driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol. Sinei will appear in Court, Monday next week.

A mother and her four-year-old son died at the scene at Iva Savai’i when a flat deck truck collided with a van.

 

Man electrocuted.

In another matter, Police are still investigating the death of a 15-year-old-male from the village                of Aleisa on Monday. It is believed the young man died after being electrocuted from an electric pole near their house at Aleisa.

He was found dead with bleeding nose and few injuries on his body.

 

Drinking session ends in tragedy

A 31-year-old man was killed last month when a drinking session with other males turned ugly at one of the villages in A’ana.

Su’a confirmed that four men have been charged with attempted murder and are scheduled to appear in Court on Monday next week.

By Ilia L. Likou 08 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>