Special Branch cop dies after crashing into truck

NASH SOOKOO, a 24-year-old  Special Branch constable was killed instantly when the car he was driving crashed into a truck owned by Pres-T-Con Limited at the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in the vicinity of Solo factory. Reports revealed that around 4.30 am, Sookoo, 24, of Mowlah Street, Preysal was driving his Honda Civic car PBG 4509, when he lost control and crashed into the truck. Two other occupants of the car Azard Ali, 30, and Nishal Aberdeen, 25, also of Mowlah Street, Preysal suffered injuries. Police sources revealed that Sookoo was pinned to the mangled wreck of the car and fire officers were called out to remove his body. It took fire officers more than 45 minutes to remove the bloodied body of the police officer from the car and a waiting hearse took the body to the Port-of-Spain General hospital. Checks with the Port-of-Spain General Hospital late yesterday revealed that the two occupants of Sookoo’s car were resting in stable condition. The death of constable Sookoo caused widespread grief among his colleagues at Special Branch.

ACP Frank Diaz who is in charge of Special Branch went to his office yesterday along with other officers and contacted the grieving relatives. ACP Diaz told Sunday Newsday that Sookoo worked in the office at Special Branch and was an excellent officer. He said that Sookoo joined the branch three years ago and was a favourite with his colleagues. “I knew him well and when I learnt of the death,  I was in a state of shock because Sookoo worked on Friday and I saw him in the office,” said ACP Diaz. He told Sunday Newsday that officers will be contacting the family of Sookoo and they will be consulted on whether they would want a military funeral. ACP Diaz said that he intended to visit the Preysal home of the Sookoo family and extend his sympathy. The death of PC Sookoo brought road fatalities for the year to 108. ACP Deochand Gosein, the head of Mobile in the police service expressed regret at the death of the young officer, but expressed concern over the total ignorance of drivers to adhere to speed limits and road regulations.

He added that the road deaths in the country could be decreased if motorists exercise more caution on the roadways. Sunday Newsday learned that PC Sookoo was seen liming in Chaguaramas on Friday night and was returning when he met his death. At the Preysal home of Sookoo, relatives expressed shock and sadness over the death. They claimed that Sookoo loved to party but was respected in the community of Preysal. According to relatives, on learning of the death they all went into mourning because they considered him to be a role model and a person with a bright future. They claimed that he loved to play football and was dedicated to his work. His neighbours also claimed that he was loved in the community and was considered “everyone’s son.” The parents of the dead constable were not at home when Sunday Newsday visited the family yesterday.