Hit-and-Run Driver Charged Six Days After Fatal Crash on George Price Highway

Six days after a fatal traffic accident, 27-year-old, Jose Eliberto Mendez of Las Flores, Belmopan, was charged.  Mendez is the driver who ran away from the accident scene between miles 47 and 48 on the George Price Highway on Thursday, January 16.  Yesterday, he was taken to court to face multiple charges, namely, manslaughter   by   negligence,   causing   death   by   careless conduct, negligent wounding, driving without due care and attention, failing to report an accident and failure to render aid.  The charges against Mendez was delayed as Police was initially told that the 2025 Chevy Camaro was stolen.  It turned out, however, that Mendez was the driver and the vehicle was not stolen.  The incident occurred just after seven o’clock last Thursday night.  Reports say that 70-year-old, Manuel Juarez he was heading towards Cotton Tree when he saw the Chevy Camaro coming in the opposite direction at a high speed.  He noted that the next thing he remembered was feeling a sudden impact and then he went unconscious.  Juarez was in his grey 1999 Toyota pickup truck and was taking home his employee, 50-year-old Maria Caal Xi when the incident occurred.  Police say that Xi was motionless and trapped inside the vehicle when they arrived at the scene.  Mendez’ arrest comes on the heels of the victim’s son pleading to the authorities for justice.