Guyana police to pay for funeral after 12-year-old killed by a police vehicle

After a 12-year-old girl was killed by a police pickup truck in Guyana, the GPF (Guyana Police Force) stated it would pay for the wake and funeral of Kayla Barnabas. She was struck and killed by a police vehicle on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, who is currently performing the duties of the Commissioner of Police, paid a visit to the bereaved family on Thursday, and he informed the family that an investigation into the events leading up to the accident has begun.

Barnabas, who attended the Demerara Secondary School student, was struck down at about 15:45h by a police pickup bearing registration number GXX 6575 at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Police in a report stated that based on information received, the Force motor pickup was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road when it was alleged that the schoolgirl ran from east to west across the road in the path of the pickup. As per reports, the driver moved the pickup truck west in order to avoid a possible collision with a vehicle in front; however, it struck the girl.

Following the incident, the girl went unconscious state and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, a source informed the media Barnabas was standing at the pedestrian crossing when a car stopped, and the driver put on his hazard lights to let her cross the road.

While she was crossing the road, the source claimed that the police vehicle, which was speeding, overtook the vehicle which had stopped and struck down the teen.

But, the GPF further stated that CCTV cameras would be reviewed to determine whether the driver of the pickup was speeding.

The police corporal is under close arrest. In addition, the corporal was breathalyzed, and there was no trace of alcohol in his system. It was also stated that Force pickup was transporting prisoners at the time of the accident. An investigation is ongoing.