Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Tues. Sept. 28, 2021– On Tuesday, September 28, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Santiago Patt was arrested and charged in connection with a traffic accident that resulted in the death of a Belize Defence Force volunteer in Dangriga.

Reports indicate that two days prior to his arrest , at about 4:00 p.m. on September 26, Patt was driving his personal vehicle, a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on George Price Drive in Dangriga when a motorcycle being driven by 20-year-old Belize Defence Force Volunteer, Karl Wayne Tillett, collided into Patt’s vehicle. Reportedly, Patt, who was accompanied by a police sergeant, was attempting to make a left turn when Tillett collided into the front passenger door.

Tillett received severe head trauma as a result of the collision and was immediately transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he received treatment, but nonetheless, passed away due to his injuries. It has been noted that at the time the accident occurred, Tillett was supposed to have been under quarantine at his home, since he had reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

Police officers who went to the scene of the accident collected blood and urine samples to determine Patt’s mental state at the time of the accident.

Shortly after, Assistant Superintendent Patt was served with a notice of intended prosecution. Following a compilation of police reports, it was determined that charges should be brought against Patt, and he was subsequently charged for multiple traffic-related offenses, including manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, driving without due care and attention, and failing to yield when changing directions. Today, he was arraigned in the Dangriga Magistrates Court and was granted bail.