24 year old suspect in policeman’s death in hit and run incident remanded until August 8

(Seychelles News Agency) - The 24 year old suspect in the hit and run incident that caused the death of a young police officer Erickson Jules early yesterday morning, appeared in court today and has been remanded in custody while the police continues with its investigation.

“The suspect has been remanded until August 8,” Jean Toussaint, Seychelles police’s Public Relations Manager told SNA this afternoon.

The 24 year old man of Foret Noire and not La Louise as previously reported by the police was arrested and detained after he reported to the central police station in Victoria accompanied by his father at around 1.50 am yesterday, some 10 minutes after police Constable Erickson Jules has been pronounced dead at the Seychelles hospital succumbing to severe injuries to the head, ribs and legs sustained after he was hit by a car while on duty.

Jules was performing spot check duties with five other police officers when he was hit by a car travelling towards the Seychelles capital of Victoria at around 11.05pm local time on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of the islands’ vehicle testing station and Petrol Station at Roche Caiman, on the east Coast of the main Seychelles’ island of Mahé.

“According to reports the car which Constable Jules had signalled to stop slowed down and then suddenly speed off, hitting the officer in the process and left the scene,” read a police statement issued yesterday afternoon.

Following this tragic incident, the Seychelles President James Michel has sent a message of condolences to the family of the young police officer.

According to a press statement issued by State House, Michel said he personally shared their sorrow adding that while words alone would not appease the grief of the family, he wanted them to know that whole nation mourns with them.

“Erickson was a conscientious and proud member of the police Force who was devoted to his chosen profession and to public service. He had a promising career ahead of him, cut short by a horrific accident. We mourn with you and your loved ones Erickson’s tragic demise,” said Michel in a letter addressed to Innocente Morel, the mother of Erickson Jules.

“May the memories you hold of Erickson grant you solace and may they continue to inspire, your loved ones as well as Erickson’s colleagues.”

Jules’ death brings to 10 the total number of fatal accidents registered so far this year surpassing the total number of 8 fatal accidents recorded for the whole of last year.